Table 2.

FNAC Diagnostic categories and recommended actions

Diagnostic category	Description	Recommended action
Thy 1	Non-diagnostic, insufficient sample. Cyst containing colloid or histiocytes only, in the absence of epithelial cells.	To repeat FNAC. Ultrasound-guidance may help. If cyst aspirated to dryness with no residual swelling, clinical/ultrasound follow-up alone may be sufficient.
Thy 2	Benign, non-neoplastic. Cyst containing benign epithelial cells.	Repeat FNAC in 3 - 6 month. Two non-neoplastic results 3 - 6 months apart should exclude neoplasia.
Thy 3	Follicular or Hurthle cell lesion/suspected follicular or Hurthle neoplasm. (Figure 1)	MDT discussion - diagnostic lobectomy.
Thy 4	Suspicious of malignancy. (Figure 2)	MDT discussion - surgical intervention, e.g. Total thyroidectomy.
Thy 5	Diagnostic of malignancy.	MDT discussion - surgical intervention, e.g. Total thyroidectomy.