Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Thyroid (cont.)
What are the complications of fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid?
Most patients notice very little bleeding or swelling. There may be
some discomfort in the area for a few hours after the biopsy, which
is usually relieved with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Some patients like
to put an ice pack over the area when they get home, but most do well
without such measures. The risks of fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid include
bleeding, infection, and cyst formation, but these complications are
exceedingly rare. Patients should contact their doctor if they notice
any excessive bruising or swelling in the area of the biopsy, if they
have persistent pain in the area, or if they develop a fever.
What happens to the thyroid tissue obtained at the fine needle aspiration biopsy?
After the procedure, the tissue obtained is prepared onto glass slides and sent to the pathologist for evaluation. First, the pathologist determines whether or not enough thyroid tissue has been obtained for analysis. (When there is an insufficient amount, a repeat fine needle aspiration biopsy is necessary.) After analysis, the tissue is classified. Although the classifications used by pathologists vary, the tissue is usually reported as (1) benign; (2) malignant; (3) suspicious; or (4) indeterminate. The chance of a false negative test (a test report that is negative when cancer is actually present) varies from 0-5%, depending on where the test is performed. The chance of a false positive (a test report showing cancer when there is no cancer present) is less than 5% and is usually due to the presence of degenerating cells or atypical cells. These results are reported back to the doctor's office, usually within one week. At this point, the doctor discusses the implications of the report and outlines further treatment, if needed based on the results.
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