The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology: Should Sri Lanka adopt it?

Abstract

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a frontline investigation in the management of solitary thyroid nodules. It reduces unnecessary surgery in patients with benign nodules and helps to triage patients with malignant nodules for surgery. If FNA is to be clinically useful, the cytopathology report has to be unambiguous and should guide the referring physician to appropriate therapy. It is also essential for endocrinologists, physicians and surgeons to be familiar with the reporting format and terminology used. This article will describe the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (BSRTC), compare it with the existing system used in Sri Lanka and discuss why it should adopted in this country. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjo.v3i1.5211 Ceylon Journal of Otolaryngology Vol.3(1) 2013 pp.9-14

Bethesda System in the evaluation of thyroid nodules: Review

“…6,7 The introduction of the new system of diagnostics of the thyroid gland was supported by many researchers. 8,9 Fig. 1 presents the recommended diagnostic categories for the Bethesda System and the risk of malignancy for a specific category.…”