Thyroid FNA terminology: The case for a single unified international system for thyroid FNA reporting

Cytopathology. 2021 Nov;32(6):714-717. doi: 10.1111/cyt.13017. Epub 2021 Jun 15.

Abstract

The use of reporting terminologies for thyroid FNA cytology enables standardisation and international alignment of the reporting of thyroid cytology results, which is essential. There are currently three major internationally recognised systems: Bethesda (TBS), UK RCPath (Thy), and Italian (TIR). A fourth terminology system used in Japan has identical categories to TBS but with different nomenclature. The aim of this review is to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the TBS, UK RCPath, and TIR systems, and to make the case for international terminology harmonisation and standardisation.

Keywords: FNA; international; standardisation; terminology; thyroid.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle / methods
  • Cytodiagnosis
  • Humans
  • Terminology as Topic*
  • Thyroid Gland / pathology*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / classification*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology
  • Thyroid Nodule / pathology