Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology–An Updated Review

Abstract

The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology is the first reporting system established in non-gynecologic cytopathology after the Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytopathology. It adopts the same concept of providing a uniform reporting system for all pathologists and clinicians to follow in thyroid cytology. The reporting system is composed of six diagnostic categories. There are defined diagnostic criteria, estimated risk of malignancy, and management recommendations for each category. The reporting system has undergone two revisions upon the emergence of a new entity, updated terminology in histology, and development and refinement of molecular testing. The third edition is soon to be published in 2023. This review will provide an updated summary of the reporting system. Potential diagnostic pitfalls and molecular testing are also discussed.