Evaluation of the Appropriateness of Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration

Abstract

This study aims to perform an integrative literature review on FNAB of the thyroid and its current contributions facing thyroid nodules, as an important diagnostic tool to eliminate early thyroid cancer, a recurrent pathology in offices. Regarding the methods, because this is an integrative review of literature, through a descriptive study, we used databases such as Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline/PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Virtual Health Library (VHL). The query was performed using the controlled descriptors from DeCS/MeSH: "thyroid nodule", "fine needle biopsy", "thyroid", "liquid-based cytology", "molecular test". Moreover, as a result we obtained a general review about the appropriateness of FNAB of the thyroid, an efficient and reliable diagnostic method in the decision and selection of patients who will need surgery. However, this method presents some limitations, such as the need for improvement in the quality of the sample collection or in its interpretation, limitations that can be reduced, decreasing the cases of false positives and negatives, when collected by experienced professionals, guided by ultrasound, and can be combined with color Doppler, as well as, seek opinions from other specialists. The present study also addressed the new diagnostic methods for thyroid nodules, such as liquid-based cytology, used as a technique in conjunction with conventional smears when ancillary techniques are applied, and molecular tests, which have given professionals the opportunity to provide a more accurate evaluation in cases of indeterminate nodules. With this, we reiterate the importance of identifying the best individualized strategy for the patient, preventing unnecessary procedures and offering improved quality of life.