Anterior neck hematoma causing airway compression following fine needle aspiration cytology of the thyroid nodule: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has become a routine diagnostic method to assess lesions of the thyroid gland and is generally considered to be a relatively safe, reliable and cost-effective means of examining thyroid nodules with a high risk for malignancy. However, FNAC of the thyroid also has the potential to cause hemorrhage, infection or trauma to adjacent structures. CASE: We present a case of an anterior neck hematoma with sufficient mass to cause tracheal compression.
CONCLUSION: Although FNAC is generally regarded as a safe procedure for diagnosis of thyroid nodules, there can be associated complications, including hemorrhage, trauma to adjacent structures, infection, inflammatory reactions and histologic change. Clinicians should be aware of the complications associated with this technique and perform the procedure carefully and gently.