The Diagnostic Significance of Liquid-Based Cytology of Thyroid Fluid for Benign and Malignant Conditions

Abstract

Thyroid nodules are a common thyroid condition, with a detection rate of up to 20% - 50% in the general population, of which only 5% - 10% are malignant. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is currently the recommended preoperative screening method, while liquid-based cytology (LBC) has gained increasing application in thyroid diagnostics since 2000 due to its advantages such as a clean background and compatibility with auxiliary technologies. This article systematically reviews the value of LBC in distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid nodules from the perspectives of methodology, morphology, diagnostic efficacy, Bethesda system grading, auxiliary techniques, limitations, and future directions, with the aim of providing evidence-based guidance for clinical and pathological professionals.