Fig. 1.

CONSORT flowchart illustrating the randomization and recruitment process in the study. ¹ Each slide will be assessed by two independent experts. The cytologists and pathologists will follow the protocol to assess the samples and will be blinded as to which technique is used for which specimen. ² If diagnostic failure occurs, the patient will be allowed to crossover to the other group after agreeing to accept a needle biopsy again on the same lesion 1 week later. ³ Three follow-up points are scheduled after the biopsy (1-week postoperational follow-up, 12-week follow-up, and 48-week follow-up); thereafter, the follow-ups will be conducted via telephone interviews or outpatient interviews. Once the surgical pathologic results are obtained, we will stop the follow-up