Journal of Oncology Translational Research

The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology and correlation with histopathological diagnosis

Abstract

Indrakshi Basak, Nandhini Manoli and Kaustav Mukherjee

The Bethesda system is a uniform reporting system for thyroid cytology that facilitates the clarity of communication among cytopathologists, radiologists and
surgeons facilitating cytohistologic correlation for thyroid diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between the results of thyroid fine needle
aspirations (FNAs) interpreted using the Bethesda system and final histopathological reports for neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. A retrospective study was
performed to compare the cytology and histopathology results for patients with thyroid swelling/nodules in JSS Hospital, Mysuru. The final correlation of diagnoses
between the two methods is reported.
Reviewing the thyroid FNAs with the Bethesda system for reporting allows precise cytological diagnosis. It represents standardization and reproducibility in
reporting thyroid cytology. Nature of the disease, experience of cytohistopathologists, and understanding of certain limitations determine its diagnostic utility.