A Cross Sectional Study to Determine the Role of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Thyroid Swellings

Abstract

Background and Objectives Thyroid nodular (TN) lesions are a common clinical problem in the world. A solitary thyroid nodule is a palpable swelling in thyroid gland that has otherwise a normal appearance. A variety of tests have been employed to separate benign from malignant thyroid nodules. These tests include isotope scanning and FNAC. Combined use of isotope scanning, fine needle aspiration cytology, and histopathology of thyroid offers the best diagnostic strategy. The present study was undertaken to assess the accuracy of Fine needle aspiration cytology in patients presenting with thyroid swelling. Methodology The present one year cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum during the period of January 2010 to December 2010. A total of 70 patients with thyroid swelling were studied. The correlation of FNAC diagnosis with HPR findings was analysed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Results Total number of patients were 70 of which 62 (88.57%) were females and 8 (11.43%) were males. The mean age was 44.93 ± 13.58 years with range being with 20 to 78 years. All the patients (100%) presented with swelling. Majority presented with bilateral and left sided swelling of the thyroid (34.29%). All (100%) reports were benign with FNAC reports showing colloid material in VIII majority and remaining being follicular neoplasm. HPR, which is the gold standard reported Multi nodular goiter in 46 cases, Colloid goiter in 13 cases, Follicular adenoma in 10 cases and remaining one being Hurthle cell adenoma with Hishimotos thyroiditis. Conclusion and interpretation The Sensitivity and Specificity of FNAC in predicting diagnosis was 90.91% and 100% respectively. Similarly the Positive predicative value and Negative predicative value for the same was 100% and 98.33% respectively.