Correlation of pre-operative fine needle aspiration cytology and post-operative histological findings of solitary thyroid nodules at the Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

This is a retrospective study carried out at Kenyatta National Hospital over a 5-year period from June 1996 to May 2001. The main objective is to correlate preoperative Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and post-operative histological findings. The study involved a total of 184 patients with solitary thyroid nodule, 164 females and 20 males (Female: Male ratio 9:1) with a mean age of 38.5 years (range 4.5 yr- 75yrs). Of the 184 patients, 184 had FNAC, 179 Thyroid function tests, 168 ultrasonography, 29 Radionucleiod Scan and 1 CT scan. The investigations done depended on clinicians attending to the patients, however all underwent lobectomy and had the excised tissues analysed histologically. On ultrasonography 74% were solid, 23% cystic and the rest were of mixed consistency and on radionucleiod scanning 93% were cold nodules versus 7% that were hot. FNAC reported 84.2% as diagnostic, 12% suspicious and in 3.8% inadequate samples were obtained. Post operatively the commonest finding was adenoma. Malignancy rate was 5.4%.