Fine needle biopsy is performed on suspicious nodules detected in the thyroid gland via ultrasound. Fine Needle Biopsy provides insights into whether the nodule is benign or malignant. Based on the biopsy results, a decision regarding surgery is made. The biopsy results are interpreted according to the Bethesda classification.
- Bethesda 1: Non-diagnostic, insufficient
- Bethesda 2: Benign
- Bethesda 3: Atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), Follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS)
- Bethesda 4: Follicular neoplasm or suspicion of follicular neoplasm
- Bethesda 5: Suspicious for malignancy
- Bethesda 6: Malignant
Nondiagnostic or insufficient biopsy results are repeated. If the result indicates atypia of undetermined significance or follicular neoplasm, surgery is recommended if the ultrasound image is suspicious; if not, a repeat biopsy is required. In cases of malignancy or suspected thyroid cancer, surgery is mandatory.
