The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Percutaneous Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration

Ultrasound-guided cytologic sampling of suspicious thyroid nodules

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Percutaneous Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration?

Percutaneous thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is an ultrasound-guided outpatient procedure in which a thin (22-27 gauge) needle samples cellular material from a thyroid nodule for cytopathologic evaluation. It is the most cost-effective and accurate first-line diagnostic test for differentiating benign from malignant thyroid nodules.

Indications follow ATA, ACR-TIRADS or EU-TIRADS risk stratification, generally requiring sampling of nodules > 1 cm with suspicious features (microcalcifications, irregular margins, taller-than-wide shape, marked hypoechogenicity). Results are reported using the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (categories I-VI), with implied malignancy risk and corresponding management.

Symptoms

Newly discovered thyroid nodule on imaging
Suspicious sonographic features (TIRADS 4-5)
Cervical lymphadenopathy with thyroid nodule
History of head and neck radiation
Family history of thyroid cancer or MEN2
Rapidly growing thyroid mass
Hoarseness with thyroid nodule
Abnormal thyroid scintigraphy

Risk Factors

Severe coagulopathy (relative)
Anticoagulant use (warfarin, DOAC)
Inability to lie still for 15-20 minutes
Severe local skin infection
Cystic nodule with hemorrhagic content
Very small lesions (< 5 mm) limiting accuracy
Severe contrast allergy if needed
Patient anxiety with non-cooperation

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Thyroid nodule found on examination or imaging
  • Family history of thyroid cancer
  • Previous head and neck radiation
  • Hoarseness or dysphagia with thyroid mass
  • Suspicious lymph nodes
  • Rapidly enlarging thyroid mass
  • Abnormal thyroid function with nodule

Treatment Methods

01
Pre-procedural neck ultrasound for nodule risk stratification (TIRADS)
02
Withholding anticoagulants per local protocol
03
Sterile preparation and local anesthetic infiltration
04
Ultrasound-guided needle placement targeting solid hypoechoic regions
05
Capillary aspiration technique with 2-4 passes per nodule
06
On-site cytology adequacy assessment when available
07
Post-procedure 5-10 minute compression for hemostasis
08
Bethesda System cytopathology reporting and follow-up plan
09
Molecular testing (Afirma, ThyroSeq) for indeterminate Bethesda III/IV cases

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Radyoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

What Is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?

Radyoloji

MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves and is the gold standard for imaging the brain, spine, joints, and internal organs.

What Is CT (Computed Tomography)?

Radyoloji

Computed tomography provides rapid, detailed cross-sectional images in emergency, trauma, and oncology cases.

What Is Ultrasound (Ultrasonography)?

Radyoloji

Ultrasonography is radiation-free and is widely used in pregnancy follow-up and the evaluation of abdominal organs and superficial tissues.

What Is an X-ray (Plain Radiograph)?

Radyoloji

X-ray is the oldest and most widely used radiologic test, providing rapid diagnosis in bone and lung pathologies.

Mammography

Radyoloji

Mammography is specialized low-dose X-ray imaging of breast tissue that detects cancer, often before clinical palpation, and is the primary tool for breast cancer screening in women 40 and older per ACR/ESR guidelines.

Doppler Ultrasound

Radyoloji

Doppler USG is critical for evaluating deep vein thrombosis, carotid stenosis, and organ blood flow.

Angiography

Radyoloji

Angiography examines all vascular systems in the body in detail, especially the cardiac and cerebral vessels.

PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography)

Radyoloji

PET-CT combines metabolic activity with anatomical imaging in cancer staging and treatment-response evaluation.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.