Comparison between pre-operative fine needle aspiration cytology and intra-operative frozen section biopsy in the diagnosis of solitary thyroid nodule

ABSTRACT

Controversy continues to exist concerning the diagnosis of solitary thyroid nodule. Even today there is a wide spread disagreement as to the best method of establishing a definitive diagnosis. Fine needle aspiration cytology [FNAC] is a standard diagnostic procedure for patients with solitary thyroid nodule and the necessity for frozen section [FS] intraoperative biopsy has been the subject of discussion. The purpose of this study is to compare between preoperative FNAC and intraoperative FS biopsy in the diagnosis of solitary thyroid nodule. Twenty patients [17 women and 3 men with mean age 36.5, range 23-64 years] suffering from solitary thyroid nodule were admitted to hospital. Combined preoperative FNAC and intraoperative FS examination were assessed in all patients. In the benign cytology, the diagnostic accuracy was 78.6% for FNAC and 100% for FS biopsy. In those with suspicious cytology [cellular FNAC diagnosis], the diagnostic accuracy was 15% for FNAC and 95% for FS biopsy. In those with malignant cytology, the diagnostic accuracy was 50% for preoperative FNAC and 83.3% for intraoperative FS biopsy