Thyroid colloid nodules diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration: Efficacy of suppression

Background: This study reviewed the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and the efficacy of thyroid suppression for colloid nodules in our population to determine the utility of these two modalities on the decision to operate. Methods and Materials: A retrospective chart review of patients with colloid nodules diagnosed by FNAB from January 1993 to July 1995 was conducted. A 52-patient cohort underwent surgical management, and their needle aspirate cytologies and final pathologies were reviewed. Results: A 7.7% false-negative rate in the detection of thyroid malignancy by FNAB was obtained. This is in keeping with data reported in the literature. Virtually no efficacy of hormonal suppression in our Population was found. Conclusion: When the literature is reviewed and compared with the results of this study, the use of FNAB as a decision tool to operate is valid. The decision to operate based on the outcome of hormonal suppression, however, is not valid based on our results.