Diagnostics

Study data from Monash University provide new insights into thyroid nodule cytology

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"The aim of this study was to examine the effect of synoptic cytology reporting in our institution A comparative study of two 2-year periods (1 August 2002 to 1 August 2004 and 2 August 2004 to 2 August 2006) before and after the introduction of synoptic reporting was conducted from a prospectively collected database of patients presented with thyroid nodules. The only change during these periods was the format of FNAC reporting. We used the same radiological practice and cytopathology service throughout the study period. All patients are still being followed up There were a total of 660 patients. Of these, 376 were operated and 284 non-operated. The female to male ratio was 7:1. Comparing the two periods, the overall FNAC sensitivities were 60% versus 79.1%; specificities, 83.7% versus 79.4%; accuracy, 76% versus 79.3%; false-positive result, 16.3% versus 20.6% and false-negative result, 40% versus 20.9%. The non-diagnostic rates were 7.4% versus 3.15%. FNAC prompted surgery in 66.7% versus 100% in carcinoma and 56.4% versus 73.6% in adenoma. A benign FNAC prompted surgery in 15% versus 19.8% of cases. There was no thyroid cancer detected in the current follow up Synoptic cytology reporting has resulted in an overall improvement in all measures of the tests. It is a simple and effective tool to use," wrote C.J. Tsan and colleagues, Monash University.

The researchers concluded: "Synoptic cytology reporting is therefore recommended for all endocrine surgical units."

Tsan and colleagues published the results of their research in ANZ Journal of Surgery (The impact of synoptic cytology reporting on fine-needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 2007;77(11):991-5).

For additional information, contact C.J. Tsan, Frankston and Alfred Hospitals, Dept. of Surgery, Endocrine Surgical and Surgical Oncology Units and Monash University, Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

The publisher of the ANZ Journal of Surgery can be contacted at: Blackwell Publishing Asia, 54 University St., PO Box 378, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia.

Keywords: Australia, Melbourne, Thyroid Nodule Cytology, Cytology, Diagnostics, Medical Device, Surgery, Thyroid Nodule.

This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.