An initially benign FNA confers negligable mortality risk during long-term follow-up despite a low risk of identifying several such nodules as thyroid cancer. Because such malignancies appear adequately treated despite detection at a mean 4.5 years after falsely benign cytology, these data support a recommendation for repeat thyroid nodule evaluation 2-4 years after the initial benign FNA.

Deficiencies in the optimum management of small, well-differentiated thyroid cancers were identified. Improved communication between specialties has led to the development of an agreed management protocol to increase the quality of care offered to patients with thyroid cancer and for auditing the coordinated service in the future.

No abstract