A Review of Important Limitations of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in the Investigation of Thyroid Masses
Obahiagbon Ikponmwosa*& Imasogie Dele Eradebamwen**
*Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
**Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
Email: ikflex@yahoo.com; Corresponding Author: Obahiagbon Ikponmwosa
ABSTRACT
Thyroid masses are frequently encountered in clinical practice and are readily accessible for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), either directly or via image guidance, for rapid diagnosis in the hope of avoiding unnecessary surgery. FNAC of the thyroid is attractive because it is a relatively simple technique, non-invasive, minimally painful, relatively cheap, and offers the possibility of arriving at definitive morphological diagnoses of thyroid masses without first surgically obtaining a specimen. It is important to develop, ensure and maintain expertise in this proven investigative modality while recognizing its important limitations, some of which this article highlights.
Keywords: Thyroid, Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), Limitations.
