Fine-needle aspiration in the evaluation of thyroid neoplasms

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a safe, rapid, and accurate diagnostic tool. Although it continues to gain acceptance, the pace is slow. Probably, if more pathologists master the basics (i.e., learn how to obtain a good sample), this simple technique could be utilized to its fullest advantage. If the sample is not adequate or representative of the lesion, the diagnosis will not be correct. Based on personal experience, we believe that suction should be minimal when obtaining thyroid aspirates. Cytologic diagnostic criteria for the most common neoplasms of the thyroid gland are provided.