Fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules (FNAB) Introduction: Thyroid nodules are a common and frequent disease. According to the literature, the prevalence of nodules in the normal population ranges from 20-76%, and most are benign nodules. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAB) of thyroid nodules is considered to be the most predictive technique before surgery and has become the standard procedure for the management of thyroid nodules because it is less invasive, rapid and accurate. Through the joint efforts of general surgery, pathology, endocrinology and nuclear medicine, our hospital has been the first in the city to carry out this technique and has achieved satisfactory results. Advantages of our hospital in this technology 1. General Hospital is the largest and strongest hospital in Tianjin in terms of comprehensive strength, and the departments of endocrinology, nuclear medicine and general surgery are at the national advanced level in the treatment of thyroid diseases, and have the advantages of multidisciplinary collaboration between medicine and surgery. 2. Although FNAB is a minimally invasive examination method, there are still risks of bleeding and damage to important organs, etc. The general surgery department is able to handle complications at the first time and ensure patient safety. Frequently asked questions 1. What kind of nodules require FNAB? Solid thyroid nodules larger than 0.5 cm and hypoechoic thyroid ultrasound can be examined by FNA. 2. What is the accuracy of FNA results? FNAB is a cytopathological examination with a sensitivity of 83% (65-98%) for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer and is a reliable method for the diagnosis of papillary, medullary and poorly differentiated carcinoma. FNAB performed by experienced examiners has a specificity of 92% (72-100%) and a false positive rate of 5% (0-7%). Preoperative FNAB can help reduce unnecessary thyroid nodule surgery and help determine the appropriate treatment plan. Tip: Approximately 10-15% may have poor sampling and require a repeat ultrasound or another FNAB in 3 months. 3. What preparation is needed for FNA? FNAB is a puncture biopsy technique that requires the patient to have normal blood count and coagulation, and does not require fasting.