CYTOMORPHOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF THYROID NODULES DIAGNOSED BY FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Background: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a safe, reliable, and non-invasive diagnostic procedure for thyroid lesions, effectively reducing unnecessary surgical biopsies. This outpatient procedure enables rapid and accurate evaluation of thyroid nodules. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the cytological spectrum of thyroid lesions and evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of FNAC using the Bethesda classification system. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over one month at the Pathology Department of King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, involving 82 patients with thyroid nodules. FNAC was performed using 22–24-gauge needles, with samples processed per standard fixation and staining protocols. Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Qualitative variables (e.g., lesion type) were reported as frequencies and percentages, while quantitative variables (e.g., age) were expressed as mean ± SD. Results: Of 82 aspirates, distribution by Bethesda categories was: non-diagnostic (ND) 16 (19.5%), benign (BN) 36 (43.9%), follicular neoplasm (FN) 13 (15.8%), atypia of undetermined significance (FLUS) 10 (12.2%), suspicious for malignancy (SM) 5 (6.1%), and malignant 2 (2.4%). Thyroid lesions predominated in women (69%) compared to men (31%), with the highest incidence in patients aged 30–40 years. Conclusion: The Bethesda system standardized FNAC reporting, identifying higher malignancy risks in FLUS, FN, and SM categories. FNAC proved to be a safe, timely, and first-line diagnostic tool for thyroid nodules.