DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i03.016

Pages: 936-940

Introduction: Thyroid enlargement necessitates proper evaluation for appropriate management. Fine needle aspiration cytology is considered to be rapid reliable diagnostic method with proper sampling. Needless thyroidectomies can be avoided with six tiered Bethesda system of reporting thyroid cytopathology (BSRTC) because of its well narrated guidelines on patient management. Objectives: The study is undertaken to categorize the thyroid lesions by using BSRTC for appropriate management. Methodology: Cases who presented with thyroid enlargement were subjected for Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology after recording complete clinical data and examination findings. Based on complete microscopic analysis, the lesions were categorized based on BSRTC and their frequency was analyzed in the study. Results: Of 138 cases, majority of the patients were in age group of 31-40 years. 126 were females and 12 were males. The thyroid lesions were categorized as per BSRTC, of which, 4 were Unsatisfactory (category I), 121 were benign (category II), 5 were AUS / FLUS (category III), 4 were FN / SFFN (category IV), 2 were suspicious for malignancy (category V) and 2 were malignant (category VI). Maximum number of cases was in category II. Conclusion: BSRTC categorization of thyroid lesions significantly reduces the number of thyroidectomies by its proper guidelines on patient management unlike other diagnostic tools. Standard reporting format in cytology of thyroid lesions is mandatory for proper patient management.