Review of thyroid cytology and histology slides in a tertiary centre leads to a change in planned surgical treatment for patients with thyroid nodules

Aim. Histology and cytology consultations of thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroidectomy specimens can change management of the patient. We aimed to determine compliance rates of pathology results between urban centers and a tertiary institution and its impact on patient management. Methods. This retrospective study includes 101 patients, who were referred to our center, between January 2008 and December 2008. After admission, all FNAB or thyroidectomy specimens of patients managed elsewhere were consulted by the pathology department. Comparison of FNAB and histology reports of our institution and the medical centers elsewhere had been carried out. Results. A total of 76% concordance rate was found between the FNAB results of other centers and consultation results. The highest concordance was observed in the malignant cytology group (77%). The cytological or histological outcomes of 24 (23.7%) patients were interpreted differently. After second opinion, patient management changed in 21 of the 101 patients. Conclusion. Since FNAB results can change the type of surgical treatment and the management plan, the results especially reported as suspicious may need a second opinion. We suggest that cytology or histology results of thyroid patients referred to tertiary centers for further evaluation and treatment should always be reviewed.