Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2008; 116(8): 496-500
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1058082
Article

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Epidemiologic Analysis of Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsies over a Period of 18 Years (1987–2004)

S. A. Polyzos 1 , M. Kita 1 , D. G. Goulis 2 , A. Benos 3 , N. Flaris 4 , M. Leontsini 4 , A. Avramidis 1
  • 1Department of Endocrinology, “Hippokratio” General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • 2Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • 3Laboratory of Hygiene & Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • 4Laboratory of Pathology, “Hippokratio” General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
Further Information

Publication History

received 22.04.2007 first decision 14.06.2007

accepted 08.02.2008

Publication Date:
01 April 2008 (online)

Abstract

Introduction: Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA) is a method widely used in the assessment of thyroid nodules. The main aim of this 18-year retrospective study was the investigation of the diagnostic value of FNA cytology in thyroid malignancy.

Subjects and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1376 patients who underwent 1938 FNAs from 1987 to 2004 in the Department of Endocrinology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. Of them 178 subsequently underwent total or subtotal thyroid resection and a pathology report was available.

Results: FNA cytology shows a sensitivity of 76.2% and a specificity of 90.5% for thyroid malignancy, with a significant agreement between FNA cytology and the histology following resection surgery (Cohen's method, p<0.05). There was a considerable improvement in the diagnostic value of FNA cytology during the sub-period 1996–2004 as compared to the sub-period 1987–1995.

Conclusions: 1) FNA is a reliable diagnostic method in the assessment of thyroid malignancy, 2) a non-diagnostic FNA should always be repeated, 3) meticulous follow-up is mandatory, even after a cytological result of benign hyperplasia and 4) increased experience can improve the diagnostic value of FNA in thyroid malignancy.

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This paper is part of the thesis submitted for the Master in Sciences (M.Sc.) in “Medical Research Techno logy” (Medical School, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece).

Correspondence

Dr. S. A. Polyzos

Department of Endocrinology, “Hippokratio” General Hospital

49 Konstantinoupoleos str

546 42 Thessaloniki

Greece

Phone: +30/2310/89 20 38

Fax: +30/2310/84 83 53

Email: stergios@endo.gr

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