Post‐thyroid FNA testing and treatment options: A synopsis of the National Cancer Institute Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration State of the Science Conference

Abstract

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored the NCI Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) State of the Science Conference on October 22–23, 2007 in Bethesda, MD. The 2‐day meeting was accompanied by a permanent informational Web site and several on‐line discussion periods between May 1 and December 15, 2007 (http://thyroidfna.cancer.gov). This document addresses follow‐up procedures and therapeutic options for suggested diagnostic categories. Follow‐up options for “nondiagnostic” and “benign” thyroid aspirates are given. The value of ultrasound examination in the follow‐up of “nondiagnostic” and “benign” thyroid aspirates is discussed. Ultrasound findings requiring reaspiration or surgical resection are described as are the timing and length of clinical and ultrasonographic surveillance for cytologically “benign” nodules. Options for surgical intervention are given for the diagnostic categories of “atypical/borderline,” “follicular neoplasm,” “suspicious for malignancy” and “malignant” (http://thyroidfna.cancer.gov/pages/info/agenda/). Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:442–448.