Increased Diagnoses of Follicular Neoplasms Among Thyroid Nodules Submitted to Fine-Needle Aspiration With Ultrasound-Classification Indication and Adoption of the 3rd Edition of the Bethesda System.

Abstract

Objectives: The increasing percentage of follicular neoplasms among thyroid nodules submitted to fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology raises concerns regarding diagnostic uncertainty and clinical management. This study aims to investigate the factors contributing to this phenomenon, including the influence of the implementation of ultrasound (US) risk stratification systems and of the third edition of the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of 1255 patients (1470 nodules) diagnosed during the first 9 months of 2023, in a single institution, was analysed.

Results: US classifications are used in 77.8% of the reported nodules, predominantly EU-TIRADS (44.4%) and ACR-TIRADS (32.2%). Bethesda category IV (follicular neoplasm) diagnoses increased from 7.7% to 11.8% after adopting the third edition, although without statistical significance. Notably, 39% of nodules were submitted to FNA without US indication, emphasising the need for improved adherence to guidelines.

Conclusions: The study highlighted the significant increase in follicular neoplasms among nodules with US indication for FNA. The transition from the 2nd to the 3rd edition of the Bethesda system increases the probability of indication for surgery by 1.5-fold, while the US indication for FNA increases the probability of indication for surgery by 1.6-fold, and demonstrated that the nodules with surgical indications (Bethesda categories IV, V, VI) increased from 5.3% in 2021 to 11.4% in 2023. Despite limitations, this work underscores the importance of aligning FNA practices with evidence-based recommendations to optimise patient care and minimise overdiagnosis.