Assessing the efficacy of core needle biopsies in the diagnostic workup of thyroid nodules

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of core needle biopsy in the diagnostic workup of thyroid.

Methods: All patients referred to the thyroid multidisciplinary team who underwent core needle biopsy as part of their diagnostic workup were identified for analysis. Data was collected from initial fine needle aspiration cytology to final multidisciplinary team outcome for patients assessed between December 2022 and April 2024.

Results: Data on 50 patients with thyroid nodules who underwent core needle biopsy was collected. A definitive diagnosis of malignancy was reached in 6.0 per cent (n = 3) of cases through core needle biopsy. Most patients (n = 39, 79.6 per cent) were offered diagnostic hemithyroidectomy after having had core needle biopsy. There was an average of 40 days between multidisciplinary team decision to offer core needle biopsy and decision to offer diagnostic surgery.

Conclusion: The value of offering core needle biopsy in all initially graded Thy3a fine needle aspiration biopsies is limited. Its potential benefit in progressing patient management requires further evaluation and its ongoing use should be determined on a case-by-case basis following multidisciplinary team discussion.

Keywords: biopsy; diagnosis; pathology; thyroid gland.