Objective: Aim of this study was to compare succesrate and quality of thyroid biopsies from solitary or dominant thyroid nodules. Non-aspiration biopsy by 25 gauge needle was compared to aspiration biopsy with a 21 gauge needle.
Methods: A prospective study of 94 consecutive patients. Biopsy from thyroid nodules was performed from July 2006 to October 2008. All patients had two ultrasound guided biopsies from the same nodule. Non-aspiration biopsy with a 0,50mm (25 gauge) x 90mm needle and aspiration biopsy with a 0,7mm (21 gauge) x 50mm needle, one puncture with each needle.
Results: Material useful for cytology was obtained in 89 patients (94,7 %) by non-aspiration biopsy and in 90 patients (95,7 %) of the cases by aspiration biopsy. Combined adequate material were obtained in 93 patients (98,9%) of the patients. Specimens obtained by aspiration contained more blood, but gathered more material. Comparing the quality of the biopsies the cytologist found the best biopsy to be obtained by 25 gauge needle in 37,5 % of the cases and 21gauge needle in 31,2 %. Biopsy quality were equal in 31,2 % of the cases.
Conclusion: Both non-aspiration thyroid biopsy with a 25 gauge needle and aspiration biopsy with a 21 gauge needle can be used, but in combination a higher success rate is obtained. Specimens taken by 25 gauge needle were preferred by the cytologist.