Reclassifying Formerly Indeterminate Thyroid FNAs Using the Bethesda System Reduces the Number of Inconclusive Cases

Abstract

The BSRTC can be easily applied to thyroid fine-needle aspiration. We were able to reclassify indeterminate thyroid nodules into more detailed categories and thus reduce the number of cases classified as indeterminate. However, suboptimal preparation, papillary microcarcinoma, and coexisting Hashimoto's thyroiditis precluded cytopathologists from making definitive diagnoses.