Liquid-based cytology in thyroid aspiration cytology

Abstract

Objective : Diagnostic results and cytological features of conventional smears were compared to those of liquid-based cytology (LBC) in thyroid aspiration cytology.
Study Design : Differences in malignancy ratio were studied using 634 conventional smears and 94 LBC. Cytological differences between conventional smears and LBC were studied using 35 surgically excised thyroid specimens.
Results : Specimen numbers averaged 3.85 sheets in conventional smears and 1.3 sheets in LBC. Cytodiagnosis in conventional smears was inadequate in 12.5% and malignancy or suspicious in 12.3%. Cytodiagnosis in LBC was inadequate in 5.3% and malignancy or suspicious in 9.5%. No cytological difference was seen between conventional smears and LBC in 35 surgically excised thyroid specimens. Using LBC shortened screening time.
Conclusions : We recommend to changing from conventional smears to LBC in thyroid aspiration cytology.