Accuracy of FNAC (in correlation with histopathology) in diagnosis of thyroid swellings

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Thyroid swellings are prevalent in the Indian population and are seen in about 4-7% of them. They are common in women and their incidence increases with age, exposure to radiation and intake o goitrogens. These swellings cause cosmetic deformity and also produce pressure symptoms due to their location and size. They are viewed with suspicion as the incidence of cancer is high. FNAC of thyroid is a sensitive, easy, cost effective, and a reliable screening test for evaluating these lesions. FNAC helps in differentiating benign from malignant lesions and is very helpful in deciding surgery and follow up of these cases.Material & Methods: In this retrospective study FNAC results of 120 thyroid lesions were analysed and correlated with histopathology findings of the excised specimens. The objective of this study is to correlate the results of FNAC and histopathology of thyroid lesions, and assess the role of FNAC in diagnosing thyroid swellings. FNAC is a safe, accurate method with high sensitivity specificity.Results: The reports of FNAC and histopathology were similar in 50 patients while dissimilar in 2 patients. These cases were compared and efficacy of FNAC was checked by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Out of 50 patients, FNAC showed 46 cases as benign and 4 cases as malignant. The sensitivity was 66.66% and specificity 97.65%. Conclusion: Among benign tumours most common was benign multinodular goiter and among malignant lesions, papillary carcinoma.