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Thyroid Cancer pp 187–205Cite as

Cytopathology of Thyroid Nodules:

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Part of the book series: Endocrine Updates ((ENDO,volume 2))

Abstract

The value of fine needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules has been well established (1–5). We share the opinion of Hayes et al. (6) that FNA should be the first test ordered when evaluating any palpable thyroid lesion. In this era of cost containment, FNA can be used even more effectively if attention is paid to the fundamentals. According to Kaplan, “The main current limitations are the inability of even skilled operators to obtain an adequate specimen in up to 20% of the cases……(this) problem probably is beyond remedy.”(7) I disagree. Based on over 20 years experience at a university medical center, I believe that more emphasis must be placed on the technique employed to obtain the sample (8–10). A discussion of technique is beyond the scope of the present chapter. Although the procedure is simple, it is not simple-minded. It can be taught or perfected in a relatively short time. I cannot overemphasize that a good sample is the cornerstone of diagnosis. A pathologist is only as good as the sample obtained or received.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA

    Yolanda C. Oertel M.D.

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  1. Yolanda C. Oertel M.D.
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism Department of Medicine College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

    James A. Fagin

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© 1998 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Oertel, Y.C. (1998). Cytopathology of Thyroid Nodules:. In: Fagin, J.A. (eds) Thyroid Cancer. Endocrine Updates, vol 2. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4945-1_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4945-1_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-7244-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-4945-1

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