Cystic papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Diagnosis by needle aspiration with transmission electron microscopy.

A case of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland identified by needle aspiration cytology is presented, and correlation between the ultrastructure of the cytologic material and the neoplastic tissue is emphasized. Needle aspiration is recommended for diagnosis of thyroid gland lesions and may allow, without significant risk to the patient, establishment of a specific preoperative diagnosis.