NON-NEOPLASTIC THYROID LESIONS: DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF FNAC IN CLINICAL PATHOLOGY

Abstract

Background: The thyroid gland, named after the Greek word for "shield," is responsible for 
critical metabolic processes and is frequently affected by various non-neoplastic conditions, 
including goitres, thyroiditis, and hyperplastic changes. Non-neoplastic thyroid lesions are 
primarily benign but may mimic malignancy clinically, the challenge lies in differentiating 
these from malignant cases to avoid unnecessary surgery. Differentiating these lesions is 
essential, especially in high-prevalence regions like India, where goitre is endemic. This 
study assesses FNAC as a primary diagnostic tool for such cases, correlating it with 
histopathological findings.