Comparison of the Bethesda System with Papanicolaou Method for Reporting Thyroid Fine Needle Aspirates

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the first line diagnostic test for evaluating thyroid nodules. It is a simple, rapid and cost effective test that can effectively distinguish between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of the thyroid. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) system is being adopted by many pathologists the world over. Aim To classify all thyroid FNAs using The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Method Prospective study was carried over period of 2 year from Aug 2015 to July 2017. A total of 110 patients underwent FNAC of the thyroid. The smears were prepared using conventional method and stained with Leishman-Giemsa and Papanicolaou stains. The cytological features were evaluated and reporting was done using standard reporting format suggested by the Papanicolaou society of cytology and also according to The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytology at two different times. Results Of the 110 cases, 74 cases were reported as colloid goitre with or without cystic change, 22 cases as thyroiditis, 4 cases as benign follicular lesion, 2 cases as hyperplastic nodule, 1 case each as benign adenomatous goitre, adenomatous follicular hyperplasia with colloid goitre, multinodular goitre, colloid goitre with hyperthyroidism, adenomatous hyperplasia with goitre, 4 cases as suspicious for follicular neoplasm by Papanicolaou method.7 cases were reported as category I, 82 cases as category II, 1 case as category III, 5 cases as category IV by TBSRTC. No cases were found in category V and VI. Conclusion TBSRTC is a superior method as compared to the conventional Papanicolaou method for reporting thyroid cytology.