AbstractBackground: There is some “grey zone” in thyroid cytology where the diagnostic efficacy declines sharply rendering it difficult to categorize the lesions resulting in discrepancy. So, a study was conducted to determine the accuracy of FNAC in diagnosis of thyroid lesions and to assess the correlation between preoperative cytological diagnosis and post operative histopathological diagnosis. It was observed that FNAC is reliable, safe and accurate method as a first line of evaluation in thyroid swelling before the surgery. Aim: To highlight probable causes of error in the cases showing discrepancy between cytological and histological diagnoses. Materials and Methods: A retrospective and prospective study was conducted from June 2013 to July 2015 in Pathology department of our hospital. Patient data were collected and details of their thyroid lesion, including clinicopathological features and FNAC findings were recorded. The cytology reports were compared with the histopathological diagnosis. Results: A total of 136 cases of thyroid lesions were aspirated. 131 cases are adequate for reporting. Remaining 5 cases were sample inadequate. Out of 131 cases, 40 cases were available for histopathological correlation. Age group of 3140 yrs is most effected group with thyroid disorders Adenomatous Goiter is the most common thyroid lesion in study. Statistical analysis of our data shows the diagnostic accuracy of FNAC to be 97%. FNA showed sensitivity and a specificity of 100%. Conclusions: FNAC is a rapid, efficient, costeffective, relatively painless procedure with a high diagnostic accuracy. Hence, it is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of patients.
Keywords: CytoHistopathological Correlation; Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology; Thyroid Lesions.