Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Solitary thyroid nodules (STN) are a common clinical finding, with approximately 5% of palpable nodules being malignant. Accurate diagnosis is essential for guiding management. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is widely recognized as a simple, safe, cost‐effective, and reliable diagnostic tool. To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of FNAC in solitary thyroid nodules in patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital. This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Lord Buddha Koshi Medical College and Hospital, Saharsa, Bihar, from July 2022 to June 2023. A total of 105 patients aged 15‐70 years with clinically or radiologically detected solitary thyroid nodules underwent FNAC under aseptic precautions. Smears were stained using May‐Grünwald‐Giemsa, H and E, and Papanicolaou stains. Adequate aspirates were obtained in 98/105 cases (93.3%). Of these, 37 (37.7%) were non‐neoplastic, 58 (59.2%) neoplastic, and 3 (3.1%) indeterminate. The most frequent non‐neoplastic lesions included colloid goiter (27.5%) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (6.05%). Among neoplastic lesions, follicular neoplasm (39.85%) was most common, followed by papillary carcinoma (11.25%). Female predominance was observed (M:F ratio 1:6.5), with peak incidence in the 3rd and 4th decades. FNAC is a highly effective first‐line investigation for solitary thyroid nodules. It provides early diagnosis, facilitates appropriate management, and reduces unnecessary surgery. Its utility is further enhanced when combined with the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology.
How to cite this article:
Abhishek Anand, Surbhi Sindhu and Beenu Prajapati. Diagnostic Efficacy of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Solitary Thyroid Nodules.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/makrjms.2025.1.689.692
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/makrjms.2025.1.689.692