FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY OF THE THYROID

Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a procedure wherein a needle is inserted into the tumor, and a tissue sample is removed for examination. This is of particular importance among clinicians and for them to decide on the treatment appropriate for the patient’s condition.

A lump or a mass anywhere in the body brings a great deal of tension or worry for identifying the cells that are present is necessary for the benign or malignant diagnosis.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located on the neck’s anterior, just in front of the trachea. It is responsible for producing the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4, which are both critical for the body’s metabolic functions.

TYPES

There are two types of aspiration,  these are:

  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy- this technique uses a small-bore needle just enough to allow the entry of a small amount of tissue for sampling. This is usually done under local, and the procedure takes only several minutes in a cooperative patient. Some clinicians utilize the aid of ultrasound to make a sample from the mass accurately.
  • Core biopsy- utilizes a larger needle compared to the FNA and removes a fair amount of tissue approximately 0.5 centimeters in diameter. In doing so, there is a sufficient amount of specimen to examine appropriately.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms can range from asymptomatic, very mild to more severe symptoms. The patient may experience any of the following:

  • A lump on the area of the neck
  • Difficulty in deglutition or swallowing (sometimes occur among individuals with a mass growing inward compressing all the underlying structures)
  • Rapid heart rate without any apparent reason ( this is caused by an increasing number of thyroxine in the situation owed to the thyroid gland)
  • Heat intolerance
  • Weight loss despite increased appetite
  • Bulging of the eyes that causes the eyelids to be pushed backward

DIAGNOSIS

History and examination of the mass can provide an initial clue as to whether it is benign or malignant. The following procedures can be done to aid the PE findings:

  • Ultrasound of the neck area
  • Thyroid profile (include T3,  and Thyroid-stimulating hormone assay)
  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mass
  • Computed tomography scan is usually requested if the mass’s borders are not well, and if there is presence of pressure symptoms.

TREATMENT

The biopsy result will reveal the type of cells that are predominantly present in the mass. There are several treatment options available. If benign cells are present and the potential risk for malignancy is low, the patient is advised to monitor and observe every 3 or 6 months. Any increase in the size of the mass or appearance of untoward symptoms, the patient may be operated,  removal of the mass in question is done.

For the presence of malignant cells, one may opt for chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]