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Latia M, Borlea A, Mihuta MS, Neagoe OC, Stoian D. Impact of ultrasound elastography in evaluating Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules with histopathological correlation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1393982. [PMID: 38863927 PMCID: PMC11165070 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1393982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the gold standard method recommended in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Bethesda IV cytology results are identified in 7-9% of nodules investigated through FNA, with reported malignancy rate in a wide range of 10-40%. The recommended treatment is either surgical or risk additional molecular testing before surgery. However, a large number of nodules belonging to this category (60-80%) are observed to be benign after surgical excision, which can put the patient at risk of unnecessary surgical morbidity. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of conventional ultrasound, the ACR TI-RADS score and elastography in cases of Bethesda IV cytology on FNA. Methods We evaluated ninety-seven consecutive cases with Bethesda category IV results on FNA by using conventional B-mode ultrasound, qualitative strain or shear-wave elastography (Hitachi Preirus Machine, Hitachi Inc., Japan and Aixplorer Mach 30 Supersonic Imagine, Aix-en-Provence, France) and all nodules were classified according to the ACR TI-RADS system. Conventional ultrasound was used to categorize the nodules as potentially malignant based on the following features: hypoechogenicity, inhomogeneity, a taller than wide shape, irregular margins, presence of microcalcifications, an interrupted thyroid capsule and suspicious cervical lymph nodes. Elastography classified nodules with increased stiffness as suspicious for malignancy. Results We considered pathology results as the gold standard diagnosis, finding that 32 out of 97 nodules were carcinomas (33%) and 65 out of 97 were benign nodules (67%). The benign group included twenty cases of non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). Finally, we compared ultrasound data with pathology results, which showed that nineteen out of the 32 malignant nodules presented with increased stiffness on elastography (p=0.0002). On conventional ultrasound, we found that microcalcifications (p=0.007), hypoechogenicity and irregular margins (p=0.006) are features which can distinguish between benign and malignant nodules with statistical significance. Discussion Integrating elastography as a parameter of the ACR TI-RADS score in the evaluation of Bethesda category IV nodules showed a sensitivity of 90.62% in detecting thyroid cancer cases (p=0.006). We can conclude that elastographic stiffness as an addition to high risk features observed on conventional ultrasound improves the detection of malignant nodules in cases with Bethesda IV cytology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Latia
- Department of Doctoral Studies, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- Dr. D Medical Center, Center for Advanced Ultrasound Evaluation, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andreea Borlea
- Dr. D Medical Center, Center for Advanced Ultrasound Evaluation, Timisoara, Romania
- Center of Molecular Research in Nephrology and Vascular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Monica Simina Mihuta
- Dr. D Medical Center, Center for Advanced Ultrasound Evaluation, Timisoara, Romania
- Center of Molecular Research in Nephrology and Vascular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Octavian Constantin Neagoe
- Dr. D Medical Center, Center for Advanced Ultrasound Evaluation, Timisoara, Romania
- 1 Department of Surgery, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- Second Clinic of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Emergency Clinical Municipal Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dana Stoian
- Dr. D Medical Center, Center for Advanced Ultrasound Evaluation, Timisoara, Romania
- Center of Molecular Research in Nephrology and Vascular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- Endocrinology Unit, Pius Brinzeu Emergency Clinical Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
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Ryu YJ, Kim JW, Park SC, Hur YH, Kim HJ, Kim TH. Differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules using heterogeneity quantification software on ultrasound images: correlation with the Bethesda system and surgical pathology. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10288. [PMID: 38704392 PMCID: PMC11069538 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60881-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the primary modality for evaluating thyroid nodules. However, in cases of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS), supplemental tests are necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Accordingly, we aimed to develop a non-invasive quantification software using the heterogeneity scores of thyroid nodules. This cross-sectional study retrospectively enrolled 188 patients who were categorized into four groups according to their diagnostic classification in the Bethesda system and surgical pathology [II-benign (B) (n = 24); III-B (n = 52); III-malignant (M) (n = 54); V/VI-M (n = 58)]. Heterogeneity scores were derived using an image pixel-based heterogeneity index, utilized as a coefficient of variation (CV) value, and analyzed across all US images. Differences in heterogeneity scores were compared using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's test. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. The results of this study indicated significant differences in mean heterogeneity scores between benign and malignant thyroid nodules, except in the comparison between III-M and V/VI-M nodules. Among malignant nodules, the Bethesda classification was not observed to be associated with mean heterogeneity scores. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between heterogeneity scores and the combined diagnostic category, which was based on the Bethesda system and surgical cytology grades (R = 0.639, p < 0.001). AUROC for heterogeneity scores showed the highest diagnostic performance (0.818; cut-off: 30.22% CV value) for differentiating the benign group (normal/II-B/III-B) from the malignant group (III-M/V&VI-M), with a diagnostic accuracy of 72.5% (161/122). Quantitative heterogeneity measurement of US images is a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool for predicting the likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules, including AUS or FLUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Jae Ryu
- Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, 322 Seoyang-ro, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeonnam, 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woong Kim
- Department of Radiology, Chosun University College of Medicine, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chun Park
- Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, 322 Seoyang-ro, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeonnam, 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoe Hur
- Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, 322 Seoyang-ro, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeonnam, 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joong Kim
- Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hoon Kim
- Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Stoian D, Borlea A, Moisa-Luca L, Paul C. Multiparametric ultrasound-based assessment of overt hyperthyroid diffuse thyroid disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1300447. [PMID: 38179308 PMCID: PMC10764279 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1300447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hyperthyroidismis a prevalent condition affecting global populations, with an overall prevalence of 1.2%. Our research aimed to establish a systematic diagnostic approach using multiparametric ultrasound (MPUS) to diagnose hyperthyroid diffuse thyroid disease (DTD). Methods We conducted a retrospective study from June 2021 to June 2023 at a specialized endocrinology center in Timisoara, Romania, enrolling subjects presenting with clinical hyperthyroidism. Using the Mach 30 Aixplorer ultrasound equipment, evaluations were performed initially in B-mode US, followed by Color Doppler and Spectral Doppler measurements, and finally, 2D Shear wave elastography (SWE). Results From the 218 patients analyzed, the diagnosis of DTD with hyperthyroidism was confirmed through biochemical assessment, subgrouping various pathologies such as subacute thyroiditis, Graves' disease, painless thyroiditis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iatrogenic, as well as healthy controls. In the first step, B-mode hypoechogenicity had an AUC of 0.951 for DTD detection. In the second step, the peak systolic velocity differentiated Graves' disease with a median of 42.4 cm/s and an AUC of 1. Lastly, the third step consisted of SWE evaluation, revealing a mean elasticity index in the SAT subgroup significantly higher from other subgroups (p<0.001) with an AUC of 1. Conclusion Our study offers a step-by-step evaluation algorithm for DTD diagnosis, with a very good overall diagnostic performance (AUC of 0.946).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Stoian
- Discipline of Endocrinology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Molecular Research in Nephrology and Vascular Disease, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andreea Borlea
- Discipline of Endocrinology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Molecular Research in Nephrology and Vascular Disease, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Luciana Moisa-Luca
- Discipline of Endocrinology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Corina Paul
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania
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Qiu Y, Xing Z, Yang Q, Luo Y, Ma B. Diagnostic performance of shear wave elastography in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20654. [PMID: 37842563 PMCID: PMC10570586 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Thyroid nodules classified as indeterminate in previous fine-needle aspiration cytology often necessitate additional evaluation to determine their histology, while shear wave elastography (SWE) offers an alternative option in this regard. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic effectiveness of SWE in evaluating indeterminate nodules. Methods The PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched from 1st January 1970 to 1st March 2023. The studies were reviewed and the data was extracted by two separate reviewers. A Bayesian bivariate model was utilized to quantitatively synthesize the diagnostic accuracy and yield of the studies in R. Results A total of seven studies, involving indeterminate thyroid nodules undergoing SWE were included, and the overall malignancy rate was 34.1% (307/900). The summarized estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 0.792 (95% credible interval [CI], 0.727-0.850) and 0.845 (95% CI, 0.797-0.887), respectively. The summarized estimate for the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 17.8 (95% CI, 14.0-22.6). Summarized receiver operating characteristic (SROC) plots indicated a trade-off between sensitivity and specificity, and the estimate of AUC was 0.866 (95% CI, 0.834-0.895). The summary estimates for positive and negative likelihood ratios were 4.67 (95% CI, 3.98-5.85) and 0.26 (95% CI, 0.23-0.28), respectively. Conclusions The overall accuracy of SWE remains satisfactory in indeterminate thyroid nodules. However, it should be noted that the available data are still extremely limited, and more studies or guidelines are required to provide further insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Qiu
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhichao Xing
- Department of Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qianru Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Buyun Ma
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Kabzinski J, Kucharska-Lusina A, Majsterek I. RNA-Based Liquid Biopsy in Head and Neck Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:1916. [PMID: 37508579 PMCID: PMC10377854 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a prevalent and diverse group of malignancies with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection and monitoring of HNC are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Liquid biopsy, a non-invasive diagnostic approach, has emerged as a promising tool for cancer detection and monitoring. In this article, we review the application of RNA-based liquid biopsy in HNC. Various types of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), small nuclear RNA (snRNA), small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), are explored as potential biomarkers in HNC liquid-based diagnostics. The roles of RNAs in HNC diagnosis, metastasis, tumor resistance to radio and chemotherapy, and overall prognosis are discussed. RNA-based liquid biopsy holds great promise for the early detection, prognosis, and personalized treatment of HNC. Further research and validation are necessary to translate these findings into clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Kabzinski
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, MolecoLAB A6, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kucharska-Lusina
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, MolecoLAB A6, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, MolecoLAB A6, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
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Boers T, Braak SJ, Rikken NET, Versluis M, Manohar S. Ultrasound imaging in thyroid nodule diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up: Current status and future trends. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2023. [PMID: 36655705 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound, the primary imaging modality in thyroid nodule management, suffers from drawbacks including: high inter- and intra-observer variability, limited field-of-view and limited functional imaging. Developments in ultrasound technologies are taking place to overcome these limitations, including three-dimensional-Doppler, -elastography, -nodule characteristics-extraction, and novel machine-learning algorithms. For thyroid ablative treatments and biopsies, perioperative use of three-dimensional ultrasound opens a new field of research. This review provides an overview of the current and future applications of ultrasound, and discusses the potential of new developments and trends that may improve the diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up of thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Boers
- Multi-Modality Medical Imaging Group, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Sicco J Braak
- Department of Radiology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente, Hengelo, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole E T Rikken
- Department of Endocrinology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente, Hengelo, the Netherlands
| | - Michel Versluis
- Physics of Fluids Group, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Srirang Manohar
- Multi-Modality Medical Imaging Group, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
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Quantitative Assessment of Breast-Tumor Stiffness Using Shear-Wave Elastography Histograms. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123140. [PMID: 36553148 PMCID: PMC9777730 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Shear-wave elastography (SWE) measures tissue elasticity using ultrasound waves. This study proposes a histogram-based SWE analysis to improve breast malignancy detection. Methods: N = 22/32 (patients/tumors) benign and n = 51/64 malignant breast tumors with histological ground truth. Colored SWE heatmaps were adjusted to a 0−180 kPa scale. Normalized, 250-binned RGB histograms were used as image descriptors based on skewness and area under curve (AUC). The histogram method was compared to conventional SWE metrics, such as (1) the qualitative 5-point scale classification and (2) average stiffness (SWEavg)/maximal tumor stiffness (SWEmax) within the tumor B-mode boundaries. Results: The SWEavg and SWEmax did not discriminate malignant lesions in this database, p > 0.05, rank sum test. RGB histograms, however, differed between malignant and benign tumors, p < 0.001, Kolmogorov−Smirnoff test. The AUC analysis of histograms revealed the reduction of soft-tissue components as a significant SWE biomarker (p = 0.03, rank sum). The diagnostic accuracy of the suggested method is still low (Se = 0.30 for Se = 0.90) and a subject for improvement in future studies. Conclusions: Histogram-based SWE quantitation improved the diagnostic accuracy for malignancy compared to conventional average SWE metrics. The sensitivity is a subject for improvement in future studies.
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López F, Mäkitie A, de Bree R, Franchi A, de Graaf P, Hernández-Prera JC, Strojan P, Zidar N, Strojan Fležar M, Rodrigo JP, Rinaldo A, Centeno BA, Ferlito A. Qualitative and Quantitative Diagnosis in Head and Neck Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11091526. [PMID: 34573868 PMCID: PMC8466857 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis is the art of determining the nature of a disease, and an accurate diagnosis is the true cornerstone on which rational treatment should be built. Within the workflow in the management of head and neck tumours, there are different types of diagnosis. The purpose of this work is to point out the differences and the aims of the different types of diagnoses and to highlight their importance in the management of patients with head and neck tumours. Qualitative diagnosis is performed by a pathologist and is essential in determining the management and can provide guidance on prognosis. The evolution of immunohistochemistry and molecular biology techniques has made it possible to obtain more precise diagnoses and to identify prognostic markers and precision factors. Quantitative diagnosis is made by the radiologist and consists of identifying a mass lesion and the estimation of the tumour volume and extent using imaging techniques, such as CT, MRI, and PET. The distinction between the two types of diagnosis is clear, as the methodology is different. The accurate establishment of both diagnoses plays an essential role in treatment planning. Getting the right diagnosis is a key aspect of health care, and it provides an explanation of a patient’s health problem and informs subsequent decision. Deep learning and radiomics approaches hold promise for improving diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando López
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo CIBERONC-ISCIII, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Antti Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, 00029 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Remco de Bree
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Alessandro Franchi
- Department of Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Pim de Graaf
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Primoz Strojan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Nina Zidar
- Department of Head and Neck Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Margareta Strojan Fležar
- Department of Cytopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Juan P. Rodrigo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo CIBERONC-ISCIII, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Barbara A. Centeno
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (J.C.H.-P.); (B.A.C.)
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, 35100 Padua, Italy;
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