The importance of using fine-needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules

Background: Thyroid nodules are common diseases, frequent in middle-aged women; only 5%-30% are malignant. Fine needle aspiration cytology is a simple, rapid and non invasive diagnostic test, performed to predict malignancy and avoid unnecessary surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of fine needle aspiration in the management of thyroid lesions. Materials and methods: Our study was retrospective, including all cases of thyroid fine needle aspiration between January 2010 and December 2017, which were verified by microscopic examination, Data was obtained from the files of Pathology and ENT Department of Farhat Hached Hospital of Sousse and from nuclear medicine department of Sahloul Hospital of Sousse, Tunisia. Results: A total of 58 cases were studied, the main age was 40 + 15,57 years and the sex ratio was 0.03 with female predominance. Concordance between fine needle aspiration and histology was seen in 45 cases. The sensitivity was 60% and the specificity was 100%. The negative and positive predictive values were 100 and 92%, respectively. The concordance index Kappa was of 0.67. Conclusion: Thyroid fine needle aspiration in experienced hands is an easily performed diagnostic procedure with very little associated risk. It should be performed in suspect nodules for treatment stratification.