Vol. 2, Issue 7, Part B (2016)

Abstract
Background: FNAC is a useful tool for initial diagnostic work up of thyroid nodule prior to both ultrasound and scintigraphy due to its diagnostic usefulness and cost-effectiveness. It is also useful if a suspicion of cancer exists. It has reduced the need of imaging and surgery and has increased the yield of cancer in patients who come for surgery. Terminology of reporting thyroid FNACs varied markedly from two category schemes to six or more category schemes making it difficult for clinicians to interpret the reports and hindered the sharing of clinically meaningful data among multiple institutions. To address this problem, the National Cancer Institute proposed a new system, named ‘the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology’ (TBSRTC) in a conference organized in Bethesda. This system also described the risks of malignancy in each category and their recommended clinical management.