Atypia of Undetermined Significance in Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology: An Institutional Experience

Abstract

Thyroid nodules are seen in the general population at a frequency of 3-7% [1, 2]. The most widely used reporting system in the pathology of thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is Bethesda. According to Bethesda classification, cytological diagnosis is divided into six groups. These are; nondiagnostic, benign, atypia of undetermined significance (AUS)/ follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS), follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN), suspicious for malignancy, and malignant. Among these, 3-18% of all FNAB’s results are observed AUS [3-6]. It is recommended to re-administer FNAB with USG after 3-6 months in this group according to the ATA guideline. Importance of recurrent FNAB In patients with AUS or a category with higher risk of malignancy, surgery is recommended. The nature of the surgical procedure is controversial. While some centers prefer total thyroidectomy, some centers recommend Abstract