A systematic approach to assess the strengths and limitations of cytomorphology in the diagnosis of the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Objective: To identify the most useful cytomorphological features of follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC).

Methods: Fine needle aspiration cytological features of seven histologically proven FVPTCs were systematically evaluated in a blinded manner for various architectural, nuclear, cytoplasmic and background features with special reference to nuclear morphology.

Results: Most smears were moderate to highly cellular with clustered and/or repetitive microfollicles, rare macrofollicles and minimal thick gummy colloid.