[Cytologic identification of follicular carcinoma of the thyroid by fine needle aspiration biopsy (author's transl)].

The cytologic detection of follicular carcinoma is a main problem of fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid. Benign conditions of the thyroid showing microfollicular structure as follicular adenoma, nodular hyperplasia in adenomatous goiter and adenoma-like proliferations induced by antithyroidal drugs are to be distinguished from follicular carcinoma. Surgical biopsy should be performed, when cytologic findings indicate follicular proliferation of the thyroid.