The diagnostic evaluation of fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid and its clinical application

Objective:The aim of the study was to investigate the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and its clinical application.Methods:From April 2009 to February 2011,thyroid FNAC were performed in a total of 186 patients with thyroid nodule or mass in our hospital and 78 of those 186 patients subsequently underwent thyroidectomy.The FNAC findings were compared with the results of the corresponding histological diagnosis.Results:The results of thyroid FNAC for 186 patients showed that,(1) 166 cases of benign lesions,the detection rate was 89.24% (166/186),including 96 cases of nodular colloid goiter (51.61%),28 cases of simple colloid goiter (15.05%),38 cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) (20.43%) and 4 cases of thyroid adenoma (2.15%);(2) 4 cases of suspicious malignant lesion,the detection rate was 2.15% (4/186);(3) 16 cases of malignant tumor,the detection rate was 8.60% (16/186).Seventy eight patients including malignant (16),suspicious malignant (4),HT (20) and nodular colloid goiters (38) cases diagnosed by FNAC were performed operation with thyroidectomy and the postoperative histopathologic results showed that there were 2 cases HT combined thyroid papillary carcinoma in HT 20 cases by FNAC,15 cases of thyroid papillary carcinoma and 1 case of follicular carcinoma in 16 cases of malignant tumor by FNAC and 4 case of thyroid papillary carcinoma in 4 cases of suspicious malignant by FNAC.Conclusion:Thyroid FNAC is a valuable and reliable method for the diagnosis of the thyroid nodules or mass or even most diffuse thyroid diseases.Diagnosis of HT and thyroid papillary carcinoma can be made by thyroid FNAC.There was larger hint value for nodular colloid goiter and simple colloid goiter according to thyroid FNAC.

Diagnostic value of liquid-based cytology and smear cytology in pancreatic endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Smear cytology(SC)using endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)is the established and traditional choice for diagnosing pancreatic lesions.Liquid-based cytology(LBC)is a novel alternative cytological method,however,the comparative diagnostic efficacy of LBC remains inconclusive.AIM To examine the diagnostic efficacy of LBC and SC for pancreatic specimens obtained through EUS-FNA via a systematic review and meta-analysis.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed,EMBASE,the Cochrane Library,and Web of Science.The numbers of true positives,false positives,true negatives,and false negatives for each cytological test(LBC and CS)were extracted from the included studies.The pooled sensitivity and specificity and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)were calculated,and the AUC was compared by Tukey's multiple comparisons test.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies II tool.RESULTS A total of 1656 patients in eight studies were included.The pooled sensitivity and specificity and the AUC for LBC were 0.76(95%CI:0.72-0.79),1.00(95%CI:0.98-1.00),and 0.9174,respectively,for diagnosing pancreatic lesions.The pooled estimates for SC were as follows:Sensitivity,0.68(95%CI:0.64-0.71);specificity,0.99(95%CI:0.96-100.00);and AUC,0.9714.Similarly,the corresponding values for LBC combined with SC were 0.87(95%CI:0.84-0.90),0.99(95%CI:0.96-1.00),and 0.9894.Tukey’s multiple comparisons test was used to compare the sensitivities and AUCs of the three diagnostic methods;statistically significant differences were found between the three methods,and LBC combined with SC was superior to both LBC(P<0.05)and SC(P<0.05).The pooled sensitivity and AUC did not change significantly in the sensitivity analysis.CONCLUSION LBC may be sensitive than SC in the cytological diagnosis of pancreatic lesions,however,the superior diagnostic performance of their combination emphasizes their integrated usage in the clinical evaluation of pancreatic lesions.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology in pancreaticobiliary carcinomas:diagnostic efficacy of cell-block immunocyto-chemistry

BACKGROUND： Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology was demonstrated to be a useful tool for the diagnosis and staging of pancreaticobiliary neoplastic le- sions. Nonetheless, the diagnostic value of this procedure may be limited by low cellularity of the specimen, contamination of intestinal cells and unfeasibility of ancillary immunocy- tochemical procedures. The present study was to evaluate its usefulness in the diagnosis of neoplastic lesions.

The Role of a Pre-Fine Needle Aspiration Clinic in Improving the Quality of Thyroid Nodule Investigation in Saskatchewan

Background: The Canadian province of Saskatchewan introduced a pre-fine needle aspiration (FNA) clinic to review adherence of referrals for thyroid biopsy based on the guidelines of the American College of Radiology’s (ACR) Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) scoring system. The intention is to minimize low-yield biopsy rates by improving the quality of thyroid nodule investigation in Saskatchewan through this clinic. TI-RADS is a malignancy risk scoring system for thyroid nodules based on five sonographic characteristics: composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, and echogenic foci (calcium). Recommendations for intervention or clinical follow-up are further determined by the size of the nodule. Methods: Through a retrospective chart review of all thyroid biopsy referrals to the Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatchewan between 22 March 2016 and 17 May 2018, the impact of the multidisciplinary pre-FNA clinic on appropriate thyroid biopsies in Saskatchewan was evaluated. Results: This study evaluated 252 referrals, 203 of which underwent FNA and 23 which received surgical biopsy. TI-RADS scores appended to thyroid biopsy referrals increased upon pre-FNA clinic initiation, yet score quality did not improve. Rates of malignant biopsies were lower than ACR-reporting suggesting inappropriate biopsy of low risk nodules perhaps by overcalling the TI-RADS score. The majority of FNA cytology matched final surgical pathology, with 78% of indeterminate FNAs being malignant, and all non-diagnostic FNAs being benign. Conclusions: The implementation of the pre-FNA clinic reduced the number of thyroid biopsies in Saskatchewan by 11% overall.

Liquid Based Cytology of Cell Remnants in Needles Used for Breast Fine Needle Aspiration

This study examined cells contained in needles used for the collection of breast fine needle aspirates for the detection of malignant cells trapped in the needles. Remnants of cells contained in 50 needles used for the collection of scanty breast fine needle aspirates were examined by the liquid based cytology technique and compared with the conventional cytological technique of specimens in the corresponding syringes. The breast specimens were collected with clean sterile needles attached to the syringes. Smears were made and stained by the conventional method. The needles were removed from the syringes and a fixative was withdrawn into the syringes and the syringes were recapped with the needles. The fixative containing the specimen was then completely discharged into a centrifuge tube through the needles and treated by the liquid based cytology technique. The study revealed that cells were found trapped in all the needles used for the collection of breast FNA. 6% of them were positive for malignancy, similar to results obtained in the conventional method. Needles used for the collection of breast FNA should be examined before malignancy is completely ruled out particularly in extremely scanty specimens with a clinical suspicion of malignancy.

Combined use of fine needle aspiration cytology and full field digital mammography in preoperative assessment of breast masses

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of these two methods and focus on the analysis and management of the false-negative cases. Methods: Results of full field digital mammography (FFDM) and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) were obtained and analyzed from a consecutive of 102 women with palpable breast masses, results were correlated with the histopathological findings. Results: Of the 102 cases, malignancy was confirmed in 43 cases (42.16%) by final pathological examination, the sensitivity and specificity of cancer detection with FNA cytology was 90.7% (39/43) and 89.8% (53/59), re- spectively, the whole accuracy was 90.2% (92/102), with a positive predictive value of 86.7% (39/45) and a negative predictive value of 93.0% (53/57). FFDM gave a sensitivity of 88.4% (38/43), specificity of 83.1% (49/59), and whole accuracy 85.3% (87/102), the positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 79.2% (38/48) and 90.7% (49/54), respectively. All the FNAC-negative cancer cases were suggestive of malignancy by FFDM findings, however, the benign cases which present as equivocal finding by FNA cytology, could not be ruled out the presence of malignancy. Conclusion: FNAC and FFDM both are accurate, effective and economical diagnostic modalities, combined use of these two methods can reduced the misdiag- nosis rate of breast masses.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of Wilms' tumor:a case report

Wilms' tumor is extremely rare.In this article,we reported one case diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology(FNAC) and pathology.A three and a half-year-old boy was admitted to hospital with abdominal pain for two days.CT scan showed a large mass in the region of the left kidney of the boy.FNAC was performed on the mass,and the cytologic specimen showed malignant cells suggestive of a Wilms' tumor.Histologic examination of the operative specimen after the left nephrectomy also revealed Wilms' tumor.

The Utility of Fine-Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis and Management of Follicular Thyroid Neoplasms:One Institution’s 10-Year Experience

Background: Classical teaching dictates that follicular adenoma (FA) can be distinguished from follicular carcinoma (FC) based on histologic features only. We retrospectively reviewed our institution’s 10-year experience in the use of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to diagnose follicular thyroid neoplasms. Methods: Patients who had FNA of a thyroid neoplasm from 2000 to 2010 were reviewed. Diagnoses of FA, FC, or follicular neoplasm-not otherwise specified (NOS) were included. Cytopathological results were correlated with surgical pathology. Results: Of 138 patients, 65% underwent surgery. FNA diagnosis for FA had a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 71%. 25% of patients with an FNA diagnosis of FA were found to have cancer after surgical specimen examination. FNA diagnosis for FC had a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 94%. Conclusions: FNA has a low sensitivity for diagnosing FA. Surgical pathology remains the gold standard for differentiating follicular carcinoma from adenoma.

Correlation of S100A13 and FOXA1 expression with cell cycle and cell invasion in fine needle aspiration thyroid carcinoma tissue

Objective: To study the correlation of S100A13 and FOXA1 expression with cell cycle and cell invasion in fine needle aspiration thyroid carcinoma tissue. Methods: Patients who received ultrasound-guided thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration in Haiyang People's Hospital between April 2015 and February 2017 were selected, and the tissues were divided into malignant thyroid tissue and benign thyroid nodules according to the pathological results after biopsy. The expression of S100A13, FOXA1, cell cycle molecules and cell invasion molecules were measured. Results: S100A13, FOXA1, CDK2, CyclinD1, MCM2, MCM7, SKP2, CLOCK, STAT3, STAT5, N-cadherin, MT1-MMP and ADAM17 mRNA expression in thyroid carcinoma tissue were significantly higher than those in benign thyroid nodule;CDK2, CyclinD1, MCM2, MCM7, SKP2 and CLOCK mRNA expression in thyroid carcinoma tissue with high FOXA1 expression were significantly higher than those in thyroid carcinoma tissue with low FOXA1 expression;STAT3, STAT5, N-cadherin, MT1-MMP and ADAM17 mRNA expression in thyroid carcinoma tissue with high S100A13 expression were significantly higher than those in thyroid cancer tissue with low S100A13 expression. Conclusions: High expression of S100A13 and FOXA1 in thyroid carcinoma can promote cell invasion and cell cycle progression.

Comparison of cytological and histological preparations in the diagnosis of pancreatic malignancies using endoscopic ultrasoundguided fine needle aspiration

BACKGROUND:Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) has become a crucial diagnostic technique for pancreatic malignancies.The specimen obtained by EUS-FNA can be prepared for either cytological or histological examinations.This study was to compare diagnostic performance of cytological and histological preparations using EUSFNA in the same lesions when pancreatic malignancies were suspected.METHODS:One hundred and eighteen patients who underwent EUS-FNA for suspected pancreatic malignancies were consecutively enrolled.All procedures were conducted by a single echoendoscopist under the same conditions.Four adequate preparations were obtained by 22-gauge needles with 20 to-and-fro movements for each pass.The 4 preparations included 2 cytological and 2 histological specimens.The pathologic reviews of all specimens were conducted independently by a single experienced cytopathologist.Sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of the 2 preparations were compared.RESULTS:The enrolled patients consisted of 62 males(52.5%),with the mean age of 64.6±10.5 years.Surgery was performed in 23(19.5%) patients.One hundred and sixteen(98.3%) lesions were classified as malignant,while 2(1.7%) were benign.Sensitivity of cytology and histology were 87.9% and 81.9%,respectively,with no significant difference(P=0.190).Accuracy was also not significantly different.Cytological preparation was more sensitive when the size of lesion was <3 cm(86.7% vs 68.9%,P=0.033).CONCLUSIONS:Our results suggested that the diagnostic performances of cytological and histological preparations are not significantly different for the diagnosis of pancreatic malignancies.However,cytological preparation might be more sensitive for pancreatic lesions <3 cm.

Impact of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy for diagnosis of pancreatic masses

AIM： To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of histological evaluation of pancreatic tissue samples obtained by a modified method for recovering and processing the endoscopic ultrasound （EUS）-guided fine needle aspiration （FNA） material in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic solid masses. METHODS： Sixty-two consecutive patients with pancreatic masses were prospectively studied. EUS was performed by the linear scanning Pentax FG-38UX echoendoscope. Three FNAs （22G needle） were carried out during each procedure. The materials obtained with first and second punctures were processed for cytological study. Haterials of the third puncture were recovered into 10% formol solution by careful injection of saline solution through the needle, and processed for histological study. RESULTS： Length of the core specimen obtained for histological analysis was 6.5±5.3 mm （range 1-22 mm）. Cytological and histological samples were considered as adequate in 51 （82.3%） and 52 cases （83.9%）, respectively. Overall sensitivity of both pancreatic cytology and histology for diagnosis of malignancy was 68.4%. Conbary to cytology, histology was able to diagnose tumours other than adenocarcinomas, and all cases of inflammatory masses. Combination of cytology and histology allowed obtaining an adequate sample in 56 cases （90.3%）, with a global sensitivity of 84.21%, specificity of 100% and an overall accuracy of 90.32%. The complication rate was 1.6%.CONCLUSION： Adequate pancreatic core specimens for histological examination can be obtained by EUS-guided FNA. This technique is mainly useful for the diagnosis of different types of pancreatic tumours and evaluation of benign diseases.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration and useful ancillary methods

The role of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) in evaluating pancreatic pathology has been well documented from the beginning of its clinical use. High spatial resolution and the close proximity to the evaluated organs within the mediastinum and abdominal cavity allow detection of small focal lesions and precise tissue acquisition from suspected lesions within the reach of this method. Fine needle aspiration(FNA) is considered of additional value to EUS and is performed to obtain tissue diagnosis. Tissue acquisition from suspected lesions for cytological or histological analysis allows, not only the differentiation between malignant and non-malignant lesions, but, in most cases, also the accurate distinction between the various types of malignant lesions. It is well documented that the best results are achieved only if an adequate sample is obtained for further analysis, if the material is processed in an appropriate way, and if adequate ancillary methods are performed. This is a multi-step process and could be quite a challenge in some cases. In this article, we discuss the technical aspects of tissue acquisition by EUS-guided-FNA(EUS-FNA), as well as the role of an on-site cytopathologist, various means of specimen processing, and the selection of the appropriate ancillary method for providing an accurate tissue diagnosis and maximizing the yield of this method. The main goal of this review is to alert endosonographers, not only to the different possibilities of tissue acquisition, namely EUS-FNA, but also to bring to their attention the importance of proper sample processing in the evaluation of various lesions in the gastrointestinal tract and other accessible organs. All aspects of tissue acquisition(needles, suction, use of stylet, complications, etc.) have been well discussed lately. Adequate tissue samples enable comprehensive diagnoses, which answer the main clinical questions, thus enabling targeted therapy.

22-gauge core vs 22-gauge aspiration needle for endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling of abdominal masses

AIM To compare the aspiration needle(AN) and core biopsy needle(PC) in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) of abdominal masses.METHODS Consecutive patients referred for EUS-FNA were included in this prospective single-center trial. Each patient underwent a puncture of the lesion with both standard 22-gauge(G) AN(Echo Tip Ultra; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana, United States) and the novel 22 G PC(Echo Tip Pro Core; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana, United States) in a randomized fashion; histology was attempted in the PC group only. The main study endpoint was the overall diagnostic accuracy, including the contribution of histology to the final diagnosis. Secondary outcome measures included material adequacy, number of needle passes, and complications.RESULTS Fifty six consecutive patients(29 men; mean age 68 years) with pancreatic lesions(n = 38), lymphadenopathy(n = 13), submucosal tumors(n = 4), or others lesions(n = 1) underwent EUS-FNA using both of the needles in a randomized order. AN and PC reached similar overall results for diagnostic accuracy(AN: 88.9 vs PC: 96.1, P = 0.25), specimen adequacy(AN: 96.4% vs PC: 91.1%, P = 0.38), mean number of passes(AN: 1.5 vs PC: 1.7, P = 0.14), mean cellularity score(AN: 1.7 vs PC: 1.1, P = 0.058), and complications(none). A diagnosis on the basis of histology was achieved in the PC group in 36(64.3%) patients, and in 2 of those as the sole modality. In patients with available histology the mean cellularity score was higher for AN(AN: 1.7 vs PC: 1.0, P = 0.034); no other differences were of statistical significance.CONCLUSION Both needles achieved high overall diagnostic yields and similar performance characteristics for cytological diagnosis; histological analysis was only possible in 2/3 of cases with the new needle.

Submandibular solid-cystic mass as the first and sole manifestation of occult thyroid papillary carcinoma: A case report

BACKGROUND Occult thyroid papillary carcinoma(OTPC)is typically characterized by initial presentation with cervical lymph node metastasis and can be detected through ultrasound.However,the initial and sole manifestation was a submandibular solid-cystic mass.High-frequency ultrasound,enhanced multislice computed tomography(CT)scan,and thyroid function tests revealed no abnormalities,which is relatively uncommon.CASE SUMMARY A 24-year-old Chinese female,who studied at a university in Shandong Province,presented to the clinic in June 2019 with a right submandibular mass that she had noticed 2 mo earlier.Clinical examination revealed a 2-cm,nontender,movable solid-cystic mass in the submandibular region,with no palpable thyroid mass observed.Ultrasonography revealed a 2.0 cm×1.1 cm solid-cystic mass in the right submandibular region,and the thyroid gland showed no abnormalities.CT scan and 131I whole body follow-up scan showed that there were no abnormalities in the thyroid.However,cytology and pathology showed papillary tumor cell clusters,consistent with papillary thyroid carcinoma.Thus,we performed total thyroidectomy and right neck lymph node dissection.The pathology revealed the thyroid was detected as classical thyroid micropapillary carcinoma,and lymph nodes of levels VI central and levels II,III,IV,V on the right side showed no tumor metastasis.The patient was followed up for 2 years without significant recurrence.CONCLUSION The presentation of a submandibular solid-cystic mass as the primary and solitary indication of OTPC is relatively uncommon.Fine needle aspiration is advised for evaluating neck masses.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy-Recent topics and technical tips

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) is a useful procedure that enables reliable pathological diagnoses of pancreatobiliary diseases, subepithelial lesions, and swollen lymph nodes. In recent years, a pathological diagnosis based on EUS-FNA has made it possible to provide accurate treatment methods not only in these fields, but also in respiratory organs and otorhinolaryngology. This review discusses the latest topics pertaining to EUS-FNA as well as procedural tips.

Progressively Enlarging Goiter:Case Reports of Primary Thyroid Lymphoma and Literature Review

Primary thyroid lymphoma(PTL)is an exceptionally rare and highly aggressive potentially curable malignant disease.We report three typical cases of PTL referred to our hospital.All three cases had long history of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis,and presented with progressively enlarging neck mass.The first two cases were confirmed by surgical biopsy to be diffuse large B cell lymphoma,and received radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy,or received only chemotherapy.The third case was confirmed by core needle biopsy to be mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma,and received radiotherapy.In summary,confirmation of PTL diagnosis is essential for further clinical decisions.Core biopsy should be one of the most important methods to make the diagnosis of PTL,while the use of fine needle aspiration cytology alone is still limited in diagnosing PTL.

The Diagnostic Value of Color Doppler Ultrasound and Grey Scale Sonography in Predicting the Malignancy of Thyroid Nodules

Retrospective study was done at KAUH to determine the sonographic characteristics in predicting the malignancy of thyroid nodules. The sample was 120 patients consisting of 70 benign nodules and 50 malignant nodules. Out of 120 patients, 106 (88.3%) female and 14 (11.7%) male patients. Out of 106 female patients, 64 (91.45) had benign and 42 had malignant thyroid nodules. Out of 14 (11.7) male patients, 6 had benign and 8 had malignant thyroid nodules. The youngest patient in our study was 31 years and the oldest patient was 76 years. The common range of patients age was ≥ 60 years and consisting of twenty (28.6%) benign thyroid nodules and fourteen (28%) malignant thyroid nodules. The majority of patients’ age group with malignant thyroid nodules were between 50 - 60 years and consisting of twenty (40%) malignant nodules. In our study, according to the result of gray scale and color Doppler ultrasonography, hypo-echogenicity, solid echo structure, micro-calcification and intra-nodular vascularity were the significant characteristics of malignancy in nodules with sensitivity (72%, 74%, 48% and 88% respectively), specificity (66%, 63%, 94% and 69% respectively), PPV (60%, 59%, 86% and 67% respectively) and NPV (77%, 77%, 72% and 89% respectively).

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle tissue acquisition:Where we stand in 2013?

Since its introduction,endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)guided fine needle aspiration and fine needle biopsy have become an indispensable tool for the diagnosis of lesions within the gastrointestinal tract and surrounding organs.It has proved to be an effective diagnostic method with high accuracy and low complication rates.Several factors can influence the accuracy and the diagnostic yield of this procedure including experience of the endosonographer,availability of onsite cytopathology services,the method of cytopathology preparation,the location and physical characteristics of the lesion,sampling techniques and the type and size of the needle used.In this review we will outline the recent studies evaluating EUS-guided tissue acquisition and will provide practical recommendations to maximize tissue yield.

Electronic Synoptic Reporting of Thyroid Nodules: Potential for Reduction in Number of Patients Undergoing Thyroid Nodule Biopsies

Purpose: The objective of the study was to design and implement an electronic synoptic report for thyroid sonography that incorporates the thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) and assess potential for reducing unnecessary fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of thyroid nodules. Methods: The electronic synoptic report was developed using a relational database based on elements from TIRADS and a multidisciplinary consensus statement for thyroid reporting. A retrospective analysis of 138 patients with previously reported thyroid sonographic exams was evaluated for the presence of these elements. The electronic synoptic report calculates the TIRADS score and generates a formal report. Using the TIRADS score the potential decrease in unnecessary FNAB was estimated. Results: Key TIRADS elements were variously reported ranging from 43% for the thyroid nodule’s architecture as solid or cystic. Thyroid nodule echogenicity and calcification was commented in 27% and 23%, respectively. Other features of the TIRADS score were commented in 0% to 8% of the official reports. Estimated reduction for potentially reduced need for FNAB was 34.5%. Conclusions: This study is the first implementation of synoptic reporting using a relational database for sonography of thyroid nodules. Implementation of an electronic standardized synoptic reporting system may facilitate more accurate, and more comprehensive reporting for thyroid ultrasound scanning of thyroid nodules. The use of TIRADS was estimated to be able to potentially reduce the need for FNAB which was significant.

Surgical Experience in the Management of 125 Patients with Thyroid Masses in Kashmir

Results of surgical treatment in 125 patients with thyroid masses who attended to a Unit of the Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery of Govt. Medical College associated SMHS Hospital Srinagar in the first decade of this century are presented. Age of the patients ranged from 17 to 68 years peaking in the fourth decade of life (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Near 85% of the patients with thyroid masses were female and most of the cases (76%) euthyroid at the time of presentation. Depending upon the expertise of the pathologist, the FNA cytology has a good role in the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid masses especially the malignant types (Figure 3 and Figure 4). The specificity of FNA cytology in detecting malignant thyroid tumors in this study was 100% and the sensitivity was 73.08%. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 83.20%. 45.60% of the thyroid masses proved on excision biopsy to be malignant of which papillary carcinoma continued to be the most common malignant thyroid tumor followed by the medullary, the follicular and the undifferentiated types. Radionuclide scanning gave equivocal results in distinguishing between the benign and the malignant thyroid nodules in this study, but it was useful in evaluating indeterminate cases of FNA cytology. Magnetic resonance imaging of neck was used as an adjunctive imaging modality in assessing the extent of the primary malignant thyroid lesion, its direct extra-thyroidal spread and regional nodal metastases (Figure 5 and Figure 6). Different surgical techniques utilized in dealing with the thyroid masses included partial thyroidectomies and total thyroidectomy with or without modified neck dissection and the results are discussed.