A Pathologist Trying to Help Endocrinologists to Interpret Cytopathology Reports from Thyroid Aspirates

Fine-needle aspiration has become the diagnostic tool of choice in the initial evaluation of thyroid nodules. As a cytopathologist who has been performing fine-needle aspirations for over 25 yr at a university hospital and for the last 3 yr at the largest not-for-profit hospital in the Washington, D.C. area, I have seen increasing demand for this service. However, there is also discontent with the cytopathology reports issued by numerous laboratories. Pathologists have to standardize and simplify their reports so that they will be more meaningful to the referring physician. Endocrinologists should communicate their needs to the pathologists and insist on clear, succinct, and prompt diagnoses.