Fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules in the pediatric population: A 12‐year cyto‐histological correlation experience at north shore‐long island jewish health system

Abstract

To our knowledge, this is the first study to apply the NCI categories to the pediatric population. The rate of malignancy in the U category was only seen in the specimens with cystic component. AUS and FN categories had a higher malignancy rate (50 and 39% respectively) as compared with that of the general population (15 and 30% respectively). Given that the rates of malignancy are higher for cysts and AUS, the literature recommendation to "follow-up and repeat" may not apply to the pediatric population. Surgery may be reasonable in these categories instead.