Endocrinol Metab.  2013 Jun;28(2):81-85. 10.3803/EnM.2013.28.2.81.

Indications for Fine Needle Aspiration in Thyroid Nodules

• Kwak JY

• KMID: 1973803
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2013.28.2.81

Abstract

Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem with the widespread use of ultrasonography. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the mainstay for diagnosing a thyroid malignancy. There have been several guidelines on when to perform FNA in thyroid nodules. This review is based on several published recommendations and helps physicians easily understand the factors favoring FNA.

Keyword

Thyroid; Ultrasonography; Biopsy, fine-needle; Indications; Thyroid malignancy; Thyroid nodule

MeSH Terms

Biopsy, Fine-Needle
Thyroid Gland
Thyroid Nodule

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Ultrasonography (US) of growing benign mass in a 40-year-old woman who underwent fine needle aspiration twice. (A) Transverse and (B) longitudinal US images demonstrate a 0.7-cm-sized isoechoic nodule with the cystic portion of the posterior portion of the nodule in the right thyroid gland. (C, D) After 4 years, the nodule was enlarged. The cytology was benign, twice.

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  Fig. 2 Ultrasonography (US) of papillary thyroid cancer in a 60-year-old woman who underwent surgery. (A) Transverse and (B) longitudinal US images demonstrate a 1-cm-sized hypoechoic taller than wide nodule with an irregular margin and internal microcalcifications in the right thyroid gland.

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