Efficacy of fine-needle cytology examination (FNA) in forecasting thyroid cancer in Warinchamrap Hospital

Abstract

Principle and rationale: Thyroid nodule is common endocrine disorder. Procedures that assist in the diagnosis it is a fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology test. The effectiveness of the diagnosis is therefore important for further treatment planning.

Material and method: This is a research study, retrospective cohort study at Warin Chamrap Hospital. In total, 204 patients diagnosed with thyroid nodules underwent FNA and surgery during the period between 1 October 2019 and 30 September 2022. Classified by age, gender and show results as a percentage. Determine the efficacy of diagnosis from FNA compared with pathological findings (histopathological diagnoses) were used to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy rate.

Results: Of the 204 patients studied, 91.2% were female, mean age was 48 years old (standard deviation, SD=14.38). There were 59 thyroid cancers and 145 benign. For C1-C2 to be negative and C3-C6 to be positive, the sensitivity or proportion of disease detection in disease patients was 54.24% (sensitivity=54.24%). The specificity or proportion of undetected disease in those who were not sick was 86.90% (specificity = 86.90%). The probability of getting a disease if the test result was positive was 62.75% (positive predictive value = 62.75%). The probability of not having the disease if the result was negative was 82.35% (negative predictive value = 82.35%) and 77.45% accuracy (accuracy=77.45%).

Conclusion: Diagnosis of thyroid nodules by FNA technique can help patients plan treatment well. If FNA results are C3-C6, the risk of cancer is high. It should be evaluated by the treating physician for further thyroidectomy.