Chandan R.H.1, Arathi S.2, Jigalur P.3, Giriyan S.S.4

Evaluation of fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid lesions based on Bethesda system of reporting cytopathology

Chandan R.H.¹, Arathi S.², Jigalur P.³, Giriyan S.S.⁴

¹Dr. Rajesh H. Chandan, Associate Professor, ²Dr.Arathi S., Assistant Professor, ³Dr. Parvati Jigalur, Assistant Professor, ⁴Dr Sujata S. Giriyan, Professor and HOD, all authors are affiliated with Department of Pathology, KIMS, Hubballi, Karnataka, India.

Corresponding Author: Dr. Arathi S, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, KIMS, Hubballi, Karnataka, India. E-mail: docartishree@rediffmail.com

Abstract

Introduction:FNAC is the first line diagnostic test for evaluation of thyroid lesions. Identification of cytological features is key element in diagnosing thyroid lesions, which will reduce the number of unnecessary surgeries of thyroid nodules. Bethesda system of reporting helps the clinicians to take appropriate therapeutic intervention. Aim: To study the cytomorphological features of various thyroid lesions and to categorize as per Bethesda system proposed by NCI Bethesda USA in 2007. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of cases of thyroid lesions received in cytology section of Department of Pathology, KIMS Hubballi, during Jan 2017 to Dec 2017. FNAC was performed and reported according to Bethesda system. Results: FNAC was performed on 370 cases of thyroid lesions.Maximum number of cases were in the age group of 21 -30 years.Male to female ratio was 1: 9.27. Maximum number of cases presented in less than 6 month duration. Most of the cases presented with swelling in the neck. Out of the total370cases, 351were benign lesion, 6 cases were malignant, 8 were unsatisfactory, 3 were follicular neoplasm/suspicious of follicular neoplasm, 1 was suspicious for malignancy and 1 was follicular lesions of undetermined significance. Out of 351 benign lesions, commonest was colloid/ nodular goiter, followed by lymphocytic/Hashimotos thyroiditis. Conclusion: FNAC is the most simple, rapid and safe diagnostic test for evaluation of thyroid lesions with high degree of accuracy.Bethesda system of reporting thyroid cytopathology is very useful as it is systematic and standardized and hence provides better communication between clinicians and cytopathologist for appropriate therapeutic intervention.

Keywords: Bethesda system, Fine needle aspiration cytology, Thyroid lesion

Manuscript received: 1st January 2019 Reviewed: 12th January 2019

Author Corrected: 18th January 2019 Accepted for Publication: 23rd January 2019

Introduction

Thyroid diseases are among the commonest endocrine disorders worldwide and in India.According to various studies on thyroid disorder it has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid disorders [1]. The enlargement of thyroid gland is seen in 3-5 % of the population [2]. The presentation of the thyroid gland disease is widely varied. The course of the treatment and follow up rests on the proper diagnosis of the disorder with specific investigations [3]. The accuracy of clinical, biochemical and radiological investigations in distinguishing between benign and malignant nodules is rather poor [4].

FNAC is the first line diagnostic test for evaluation of thyroid lesions. It is accepted globally as the best screening tool to differentiate neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesion. The cytological features of nonneoplastic disorders of thyroid have a good amount of overlap between them and with few neoplastic lesions as well, thus leading to wrong interpretation and possible inappropriate management of the patients. Identification of cytological features is key element in diagnosing thyroid lesions by FNA procedurewhich will reduce the number of unnecessary surgeries of thyroid nodules [5]. The use of FNAC resulted in a decrease in numberof patients who underwent surgical treatment by 25-50 % while increasing percentage of malignant results in the operated group of patients [6]. USG guided FNAC is becoming increasingly popular as it enhances the value of FNA diagnostic accuracy [7].

To address terminology related issues, National Cancer Institute hosted the Thyroid FNA state of the science conference and proposed Bethesda system for reporting of thyroid cytopathology [8]. A standardized reporting format so as to communicate to the clinician and to help in clinical management is offered by Bethesda system [9].

Aim

1) To study the cytomorphological features of various thyroid lesions.

2) To categorize as per TBSRTC of Bethesda system.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective study done in cytology section of department of pathology, KIMS Hubballi, during Jan 2017 to Dec 2017. All the cases of thyroid swelling were included in the study and all the cases having neck swelling other than thyroid were excluded from the study.Clinical history, physical examination and ultrasound findings of these cases were noted. FNAC was performed by conventional method of palpation or with USG using 22 gauge needle.

The patient was made to lie down in supine position with neck hyper extended keeping pillow under the neck so as to expose the gland more prominently. The patient was asked to refrain from swallowing during the procedure. The skin overlying the swelling was cleaned with spirit. The needle was inserted in to the nodule and plunger was retracted to create a vacuum in the syringe. The needle was moved back and forth gently within the lesion,all the time maintaining pressure in the syringe. The plunger was then released. The needle was withdrawn from the thyroid and the material was taken on the slide.Direct smears were prepared and were either air dried and stained with Wrights stain or fixed in alcohol and stained with H & E. Smears were evaluated and diagnosis assigned according to the Bethesda system.

Results

FNAC was performed on 370 cases of thyroid lesions. Age of the patients ranged from 2 to 82 years. Maximum number of cases were in the age group 21 -30 years in present study. In females, maximum number of cases were in age group 21-30 years. In males, maximum number of cases were in age group 41-50 years. Out of total 370 cases, 334 cases were female and 36 cases were males.Male to female ratio was 1: 9.27.

Duration of complaints for thyroid lesionsin the present study was up to 6 months in 232 cases (62.7%), 6 months -1year in 45 cases (12.16%),1 – 10 years in 68 cases (18.38%) , more than 10 years in 10 cases (2.7%) and those noticed on examination were 15 (4.05 %) cases. Maximum number of cases presented in less than 6 months duration.

Most of the cases presented with swelling in the neck 355 cases (95.95 %), followed by loss of weight and loss of appetite, 30 cases(8.11%) each, palpitation and anxiety in 29 cases(7.84 %), dysphagia in 28 cases (7.57%), weight gain in 10 cases (2.7%) dyspnea in 6 cases(1.62%) and hoarseness of voice in 4 cases (1.08%).

On examination largest swelling measured 10x15 cm and smallest measured 1x1 cm. Diffuse swelling was seen in 150 cases (40.54%) and nodular swelling was seen in 220 cases (59.46%). The swelling was mobile and firm in 368 cases (99.46%).

Total number of thyroid FNAC were 370.In our study we did not encounter any complication. Nature of the aspirate was hemorrhagic in 262 cases (70.81%), brown coloured fluid in 90 cases (24.3%) and grey white material in ten cases (2.7%). The cytological features were categorized according to TBSRTC into six categories. Out of these, 351(94.86%) were benign lesions, 6 (1.62%) cases were malignant, 8 (2.16%) were unsatisfactory, 3(0.81%) were follicular neoplasm/suspicious of follicular neoplasm, suspicious for malignancy and follicular lesions of undetermined significance were one (0.27%) each.

Table-1: Cytological diagnosis of thyroid lesions as per Bethesda system in the present study

Category	Cytological Diagnosis	No.of Cases	%
I.	Unsatisfactory	8	2.16
II.	Benign follicular lesion	351	94.86
III.	Atypia of follicular lesion of undetermined significance	1	0.27
IV.	Follicular neoplasm/ suspicious of follicular neoplasm	3	0.81
V.	Suspicious for malignancy	1	0.27
VI.	Malignant tumors	6	1.62
	Total	370	100

Maximum number of cases reported on cytology were benign thyroid lesions 351cases (94.86%). Out of 351 benign lesions, commonest was colloid/ nodular goiter 205 cases (58.4 %). All 205 cases showed follicular cells in clusters or singles in variable proportion. Hurthle cell change were seen in 50 cases (24%), foamy macrophages in 57 cases (27.8%), moderate to abundant colloid in 145 cases (70.73 %) and scant colloid in 60 cases (29.3 %). Lymphocytic/Hashimotos thyroiditis was diagnosed in 105 cases (29.91%) showed polymorphic population of lymphoid cells in all the cases with lymphocytic infiltration of follicles in 93 cases (88.57%) and hurthle cell changes in 102 cases (97%). Nodular goiter with secondary hyperplasia was diagnosed in 30 cases (8.55%) and primary hyperplasia in 10 cases (2.85%).Smears of cases of hyperplasia showed hyperplastic follicular cells with fire flare appearance .Granulomatous/subacute thyroiditis was identified inone case (0.28%).

Malignancy was found in 6 cases (1.62%). Out of these, 5 cases were diagnosed as papillary carcinoma which showed cells arranged in papillary pattern in all the cases. Intranuclear inclusion and grooving was seen in 3 cases with scant colloid in 2 cases. One case of medullary carcinoma was identified. The smear showed hyper cellular aspirate with dispersed plasmacytoid and spindle shaped cells having stippled chromatin.

Discussion

In the evaluation of individual patients with nodular disease, there are occasions when either palpation or ultrasound guided FNA of a thyroid nodule are reasonable to perform.Palpation guided FNA can be performed with high levels of success in specific circumstances [8]. Palpation guided FNAC plays a significant role in the diagnosis of thyroid lesion due to its simplicity and low cost. The procedure is regarded as valuable method of distinguishing between malignant from those of benign lesions that can be followed upclinically. Majority of thyroid swellings are nonneoplastic and do not require surgical intervention. Less than 5% of thyroid nodules are malignant [10]. The available initial screening test for thyroid lesions include ultrasound, thyroid antibody levels, FNAC and radionuclide scan .Among them FNAC is considered as the best initial diagnostic test which help to identify various thyroid lesions with high degree of accuracy.Therefore a thorough cytological evaluation and an integrated approach are necessary to pick up correct diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary surgeries [11].

In the present study, commonest age group was 21-30 years, with mean age of 37.6 %.Similar finding were noted in study done by Dimple et al with mean age of 37.2 years [12]. Shivani et al noted majority of the patients in the age group 31-40 years with mean age of 33.69 years.

In our study there was female preponderance with male to female ratioof 1:9.27which is similar to the study done by Dimple et al with male to female ratio being 1:9 [12]. Shivani et al also noted 86% females and 14% male, with male to female ratio being 1:6.14 [3]. Obaid et al and most of the other studies also showed female predominance [9].

The duration of swelling being present for less than one year in 277 cases (74.86 %) whichis similar to the study done by Reetika et al (78%) [13]. Patients presented with history of neck swelling for more than one year in 41.66% in study by Shaista et al [14]. Most of the casesin our study presented with swelling in the neck 355cases (95.95%), similar to study done by Shaista et al (94.44%) and Reetika et al (98.5%) followed by other symptoms [13,14].

Local examination findings were comparable with study done by Reetika et al which showed diffuse swelling in 38.5%, nodular in 61.59%, mobile and firm in 98.5% of cases [13]. Shaista et al noted diffuse in 48.8%, nodular in 51.11%, mobile in 96.66% cases and restricted mobility in 4.44% cases [14].

Cytological evaluation included various parameters likesample adequacy, background, cellular arrangement / pattern, cellular details including nuclear features [5]. A uniform reporting system for thyroid FNA will facilitate effective communication among cytopathologist, endocrinologist, radiologists and surgeons [15]. The Bethesda system of reporting thyroid cytopathology established a uniform tiered reporting system. It offers six diagnostic categories.Category I includes nondiagnostic or unsatisfactory samples consisting of only cyst fluid or virtually acellular specimen.Category II includes benign lesions consistent with benign follicular nodule, lymphocytic/Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, granulomatous /subacute thyroiditis and others.Category III includes atypia of follicular lesions of undetermined significance.Category IV includes follicular neoplasm/ suspicious of follicular neoplasm. Category Vconsists of cases suspicious for malignancy. Category IV includes malignant cases like papillary thyroid carcinoma,poorly differentiated carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, carcinoma with mixed features,metastatic carcinoma and NHL. Each category has implied cancer risk which ranges from 0-3 % for benign category to virtually 100% for malignant category [16].

Adequacy of thyroid FNA is defined by both the quantity and quality of the cellular and colloid component.Inadequacy rate in our study was 2.16% which was comparable with Dimple and Mondal etal [17]. Aliet al suggested that nondiagnostic category must be less than 10 %. Other published studies show inadequate sample range between 2 and 20% [18]. Proper sampling from representative site is important for an accurate diagnosis. Most of the authors recommend 4-5 smears from different areas of nodule with 2-5 passes are a reasonable number of passes to ensure an adequate sample [19].

Comparison of neoplastic to nonneoplastic lesions on FNAC is found to be 1:34 in our study, and it was 1:14 by Obaid et al.Hyang-Mi Ko et al in 2003 found it to be 1:19.2 [20]. In nonneoplastic group colloid goiter was seen in 58% cases in the present study similar to Reetika et al 53% [13].

Table-2: Comparison of distribution of cases according to TBSRTC.

	Study	Year	I	II	III	IV	V	VI
1	Yang et al	2007	10.4	64.6	3.2	11.6	2.6	7.6
2	Yassa et al	2007	7	66	4	9	9	5
3	Mondal et al	2013	1.2	87.5	1	4.2	1.4	4.7
4	Mehra (21)	2015	7.2	80	4.9	2.2	3.6	2.2
5	Dimple et al	2015	3.33	65.83	7.5	18.33	1.66	3.35
6	Present	2017	2.16	94.86	0.27	0.81	0.27	1.62

In all the above studies, benign category showed highest number of cases. According to Jo et al, most of these studies have been done in tertiary care centre, where patient mainly come on referral basis [22]. It was more higher in the present study similar to Obaid et al, which can be attributed to the fact that our institute despite being tertiary care centre , not only caters patient on referral basis ,but also patients coming directly without referral representing the general population.

The cases of AFLUS,suspicious for follicular neoplasm and suspicious for malignancy was lower and comparable with study done by Mondol et al , which can be because of ultrasound guided FNAC being done in cases of smaller thyroid nodules [17].

Of the 351 cases of benign lesions, the commonest was nodular goiter diagnosed in 205 cases (58.4%). Abundant colloid and a relatively small number of both involutional and hyperplastic follicular epithelial cells are most characteristic and comparable to Shaista et al 58.88%. Lymphocytic /Hashimotos thyroiditis was diagnosed in 105 cases (29.91%) comparable to study done by Reetika et al 21%. It is the second most common thyroid lesion next to colloid goiter in most of the studies [13].

Conclusion

FNAC is the most simple, rapid and safe diagnostic test for evaluation of thyroid lesions. It helps to distinguish neoplastic from nonneoplastic lesions with high degree of accuracy.

Bethesda system of reporting thyroid cytopathology is very useful as it is systematic and standardized and hence provides better communication between clinicians and cytopathologist for appropriate therapeutic intervention.

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How to cite this article?

Chandan R.H., Arathi S., Jigalur P., Giriyan S.S. Evaluation of fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid lesions based on Bethesda system of reporting cytopathology. Trop J Path Micro 2019;5(1):26-30.doi:10.17511/ jopm. 2019.i1.05.