Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the first line investigation for the diagnosis of palpable thyroid lesions. Cytological diagnosis of palpable thyroid lesions and their classification on the bases of Bethesda Classification (TBSRTC 2007) makes uniformity in the diagnosis, facilitate communication among cytopathologists and surgeons and guide the further management. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to diagnose and classify palpable thyroid lesions on the bases of Bethesda Classification and to correlate the diagnosis with relevant clinical history and investigations and histopathological diagnosis if possible. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital from January 2011 to December 2012. The clearance was obtained from ethical committee of our hospital. The study included 156 cases which were classified as non diagnostic 8 cases (5.1%), benign category 123 cases (78.84%), atypia of undetermined significance/ suspicious of follicular neoplasm 11 cases (7.05%) and malignant 3 cases (1.92%). Conclusion: Cytological classification of palpable thyroid lesions on the lobes of Bethesda classification helps to guide proper management of patients and facilitates better communication among cytopathologists and surgeons.

Keywords: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology; Palpable Thyroid Lesion; Bethesda Classification.