Should ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration be considered a first-line technique in assessing a thyroid nodule?

• Published in: Otolaryngologia polska = The Polish otolaryngology Vol. 70; no. 1; p. 49
• Main Authors: Zawawi, Faisal, Mosli, Mohammed H, Zawawi, Sarah T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Poland 29.02.2016
• Subjects: Biopsy, Fine-Needle - methods; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration; Female; Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies; Thyroid Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Thyroid Neoplasms - pathology; Thyroid Nodule - diagnostic imaging; Thyroid Nodule - pathology; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 2300-8423
• DOI: 10.5604/00306657.1193071

Thyroid nodule is a common finding in the general population. Fine-needle aspiration remains a crucial step in the assessment of any thyroid nodules. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of needle aspiration with and without ultrasound guidance (USFNA, FNA respectively). Retrospective chart review of 150 consecutive patients who had thyroid surgery. Fine needle aspiration biopsy, histopathology results alongside demographics and nodule sizes were recorded. There was no statistical difference in the nodule size of both groups. USFNA showed a significantly higher specificity and positive predictive values compared to FNA. When readily available, USFNA should be considered in the investigations of a thyroid nodule.