The role of fine needle aspiration in the management of the thyroid nodule.

The role of fine needle aspiration (FNA) in the management of the patient with a thyroid nodule continues to be controversial. We present a retrospective study of 69 patients who underwent FNA for thyroid nodules over a two-year period. No false positive or false negative fine needle aspirations are reported in 22 patients who underwent surgery. From the results of this study and other studies in the literature, we feel that ultrasonography and thyroid scans are of minimal additional benefit in determining whether a nodule is benign or malignant. It is our opinion that FNA, along with clinical assessment, should be the diagnostic test to determine the management of the thyroid nodule in centers with personnel experienced in FNA.