Role of frozen section in evaluating follicular neoplasms of thyroid

Abstract

Background: Thyroid lesion diagnosed as follicular neoplasm (FN) on fine-needle aspiration cytology is a challenge to both pathologist and surgeon. To recognize capsular and vascular invasion, histological evaluation is essential. Frozen section (FS) offers intraoperative histological diagnosis, identifies malignant lesions, and thereby guides the extent of surgery. Aims and Objectives: To assess the ability of FS to detect malignancy in cases of cytologically diagnosed as FNs. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted during 2014-2018 at ESIC Model Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru. Results: FS identified 10 cases of 18 cases reported malignant on FH. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 56%, 100%, 100%, and 83%, respectively. Conclusion: FS is recommended for intraoperative diagnosis of FNs. It has high specificity and can, therefore, guide the extent of surgery in malignant cases.