Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid

Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has reached widespread acceptance as the first step and the most accurate tool in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. The routine use of FNAB allow a prompt identification and treatment of thyroid malignancies and avoids unnecessary surgery in most patients with benign thyroid lesions. Furthermore, FNAB provides a guidance for the type of surgery and greatly reduces costs of care. Best use of FNAB requires the knowledge of its limitations (inadequate sampling and indeterminate diagnoses) and of strategies to overcome them.