Utilidad e interpretación de la biopsia tiroidea por punción con aguja fina / Use and interpretation of fine needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules

ABSTRACT

Fine needle thyroid biopsy is a safe and cost effective diagnostic method for thyroid nodules. Its use has reduced the number of unnecessary thyroidectomies, performed to excise thyroid nodules. Since it is an invasive diagnostic method, its indications should be specified according to ultrasonographic criteria. The massive use of fine needle biopsies increase the number of unsatisfactory samples and indeterminate results. Although it is possible to obtain biopsies from exceedingly small nodules, the clinical significance of these small carcinomas is not yet defined. Ultrasonography, mmunohistochemical markers such as citokeratin, 19, HBME-1, galectin 3) and genetic determinants such as oncogene RET/PTC, 1, 2, 3, RAS oncogene and BRAF V600E mutation along with clinical follow up, will readily identify those patients that are benefited with fine needle biopsies.