Liquid-Based Cytology in Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsies of the Thyroid Gland

Abstract

Objectives: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is regarded as the most important diagnostic tool for thyroid lesions because of its simplicity, safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, its pivotal role in the correct characterization of the majority of nodules is impaired by the difficulties in discriminating benign from malignant follicular-patterned lesions. Study Design: Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is a semiautomated device that has recently become widely available and has gained popularity as a method of collecting and processing both gynecologic and nongynecologic cytologic specimens. It achieves a diagnostic sensitivity as accurate as conventional preparations, especially for its excellent cell preservation and lack of background which decrease the amount of inadequate diagnoses. Results: In many cases the cytologic features are similar in both methods, but the colloid film and the lymphocytic component are more easily evaluated on direct smears whereas nuclear details and colloid globules are better evaluated in LBC slides. The material stored in the preservative solution could be effectively used for the application of immunocytochemical and molecular techniques. Conclusions: LBC-processed biopsies represent a valid alternative to conventional cytology. The possibility of applying additional techniques enhances the efficacy of the cytologic diagnosis of thyroid lesions.

The cytologic category of oncocytic (Hurthle) cell neoplasm mostly includes low-risk lesions at histology: an institutional experience

“…A conclusive note should be added concerning the application of the LBC method used in our cytological practice which leads to the same result as conventional cytology in terms of feasibility, simplicity, and clear evaluation of the cellular details (1). Even though these low malignant rates could be attributed to the use of the 'alternative LBC method', our previous paper supports the perfect diagnostic concordance between conventional cytology and LBC (1,29).…”

“…Even though these low malignant rates could be attributed to the use of the 'alternative LBC method', our previous paper supports the perfect diagnostic concordance between conventional cytology and LBC (1,29).…”

“…It is a simple, safe, and cost-effective method achieving a correct definition of the nature of the lesions in more than 70% of cases (1).…”

Diagnostic and prognostic value of immunocytochemistry and BRAF mutation analysis on liquid-based biopsies of thyroid neoplasms suspicious for carcinoma

“…Thyroid nodules are a common finding in the general population, taking into account both non-neoplastic and neoplastic entities, representing an area fraught with controversy for which fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the most important and generally the first diagnostic tool (1,2,3).…”

Giant non-functional parathyroid cyst: A case report

“…Current diagnostic tools, including US, technetium-99m sestamibi scanning, CT and magnetic resonance imaging, may often differentiate between solid tumors and cystic lesions; however, differentiating between thyroid cysts and PCs is challenging. FNAB is a valuable diagnostic tool for the morphological evaluation of solid or cystic thyroid and parathyroid lesions (13). The typical findings of a watery, colorless crystal clear fluid are, in the majority of cases, suggestive of the diagnosis of a non-functional PC.…”