Loading...
Most authorities recommend repeating fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules when an initial FNA yields nondiagnostic results. In a single-center study, Rhode Island researchers sought to determine outcomes of this practice.
Among 5349 patients who underwent initial FNA of thyroid nodules, results were nondiagnostic in 15%. Of these, 393 patients had sufficient follow-up to warrant inclusion in this study; 336 underwent repeat FNA, with the following results:
18 were suspicious for malignancy, but surgical resection confirmed malignancy in only 2 of those 18 cases.
245 were benign.
73 were persistently nondiagnostic: 24 of these patients had stable nodules identified by serial ultrasound; and 49 patients underwent surgery, with 5 malign…