Expert: Neha Dahiya MD - 6/13/2009

Question
Recently received the following results from my thyroid, right complex nodule, FNA:
Satisfactory for evaluation.
Follicular Lesion See Comment.
Comment:
the right thyroid nodule shows sheets of mostly bland follicular cells with occasional nuclear enlargement and nuclear grooves. Intranuclear pseudoinclusions and calcifications are not identified. The background contains small amount of watery colloid and macrophages. The differential diagnosis includes hyperplastic/adenomatoid nodule, follicular adenoma, and follicular carcinoma.
Gross Description: Received 30 ML of Pink Fluid in Cytolyt. 2 Alcohol fixed and 2 Air dried slides. Could you please provide your opinion. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Pat:

The report essentially shows normal looking cells which are found in the thyroid.
The first two diagnosis are benign. On cytology it is difficult to differentiate between follicular adenoma and carcinoma.

These findings need to be correlated with Thyroid function tests, and thyroid imaging to arrive at a final diagnosis. If there is doubt even then then the option of removing the nodule will be considered.