H Jack Baskin1. 1. Florida Thyroid and Endocrine Clinic, Orlando, Florida 32804, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe various techniques for performing ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of thyroid nodules, with the intent of shortening the learning curve for physicians with interest in this new procedure. METHODS: General principles and details of biopsy techniques and equipment are reviewed, and personal experience and preferences are described. RESULTS: Real-time ultrasound guidance has technically refined the FNA biopsy technique by decreasing the number of inadequate biopsy specimens and increasing both the specificity and the sensitivity of this procedure. In addition to being cost-effective, well tolerated, and expedient, ultrasound-guided FNA biopsy has emerged as the most accurate method for evaluation of thyroid nodules. The success of the procedure depends on the experience of the person using these techniques. CONCLUSION: For provision of optimal evaluation and management of thyroid nodules, endocrinologists should develop expertise in ultrasound-guided FNA biopsy and understand its advantages over conventional FNA biopsy.
OBJECTIVE: To describe various techniques for performing ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of thyroid nodules, with the intent of shortening the learning curve for physicians with interest in this new procedure. METHODS: General principles and details of biopsy techniques and equipment are reviewed, and personal experience and preferences are described. RESULTS: Real-time ultrasound guidance has technically refined the FNA biopsy technique by decreasing the number of inadequate biopsy specimens and increasing both the specificity and the sensitivity of this procedure. In addition to being cost-effective, well tolerated, and expedient, ultrasound-guided FNA biopsy has emerged as the most accurate method for evaluation of thyroid nodules. The success of the procedure depends on the experience of the person using these techniques. CONCLUSION: For provision of optimal evaluation and management of thyroid nodules, endocrinologists should develop expertise in ultrasound-guided FNA biopsy and understand its advantages over conventional FNA biopsy.
Authors: Antonio Barile; Simone Quarchioni; Federico Bruno; Anna Maria Ierardi; Francesco Arrigoni; Aldo Victor Giordano; Sergio Carducci; Marco Varrassi; Giampaolo Carrafiello; Ferdinando Caranci; Alessandra Splendiani; Ernesto Di Cesare; Carlo Masciocchi Journal: Gland Surg Date: 2018-04