European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is very common, especially in females. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is considered gold standard for evaluating thyroid nodules. The study was done with an aim to correlate cytological and hormonal level findings in thyroid lesions and also to categorize lesions using the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytology (TBSRTC).
Materials and Methods: This was an observational, retrospective study which included the data of two years from a tertiary care hospital in Silvassa. Data of all the patients referred for FNAC from ENT/Surgery outpatient department for thyroid lesions were included in the study. The data from their Thyroid function tests (TFT) measuring the levels of triiodothyronine, thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone was also collected. The FNAC results were classified based on the TBSRTC guidelines. The data was reported using descriptive statistics.
Results: A total of 186 cases irrespective of gender and age were included in the study for evaluation. The mean age of the patients was 40.8 ± 4.62 years.
The male: female ratio was 1:4.8 showing female preponderance. The most common thyroid lesions were benign category with 163 cases. 2 cases were malignant, both being papillary carcinoma. Out of total 163 benign thyroid lesions, 121 cases were consistent with benign follicular nodule, 39 cases with lymphocytic thyroiditis and 3cases with Granulomatous thyroiditis. Among the 121 cases of benign follicular nodule, TFT results of 71 were available, out of which, 48 were euthyroid, 12 were hyperthyroid and 11 were hypothyroid. Most of the patients of lymphocytic thyroiditis had abnormal TFT.
Conclusion: Hormonal status alone does not help in screening of thyroid lesion. Cytology is the gold standard for diagnosing thyroid lesion and reporting them using TBSRTC is quick and efficient.