A comparative study of fine needle aspiration cytology (fnac), biochemical test, ultrasonogram (usg) and histopathological examination of thyroid swellings

Aim: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, Thyroid Function Test, Ultrasonography of thyroid swellings with post-operative Histopathological examination results.
Methodology: This study was carried out at Department of Pathology of Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital during the period of January 2018 to November 2018. Patients of all age groups and both sexes who underwent Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, Ultrasonography and thyroid function test for thyroid swelling were evaluated. FNAC were compared with the final Histopathological diagnosis.
Results: The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the FNAC when compared with HPE were 80 %, 99% and 82% which was compared with other studies of similar parameters.
Conclusion:  Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is the single most important test as well as cost effective diagnostic test for preoperative assessment of thyroid pathology if attention is paid to the clinical features and collection of samples from proper sites and thus avoiding unnecessary surgery.