Thyroid FNAC: Causes of false-positive results

Abstract

In this paper, we aim to focus on false positive results in the evaluation of thyroid aspirations, covering cystic, inflammatory, follicular and oncocytic lesions, papillary carcinoma, and medullary carcinoma of thyroid. The recently described entity noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features is also discussed detailing the impact of its introduction on the sensitivity and specificity of thyroid FNA, as well as the use of molecular tests for diagnostics. Medicolegal issues in relation to current practice in English law are also described.

Keywords: false-positive; follicular-pattern lesions; noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features; thyroid FNA; thyroid carcinoma.