Current status of fine needle aspiration for thyroid nodules

Evaluation of the Malignancy Risk in Nodules Expanding the Thyroid Gland Capsule

There has been an increase in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules in recent years. In addition to the well-known criteria, features that are likely to increase the risk of malignancy are in the research process. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the malignant potential of nodules that expand the thyroid capsule ultrasonographically. A total of 109 patients with thyroid capsule-expanding nodules and 288 patients with non-expanding nodules were included in the study. Demographical data, ultrasonography features, and cytology results were noted, and histopathological findings were determined in operated patients. While malignant cytology was detected in 5.5% of capsule-expanding nodules in FNAB results, this rate was 0.7% in the non-capsule expanding group (p<0.001). According to the histopathological results, the incidence of malignancy was 15.6% in the capsule-expanding nodule group, while it was 3.1% in the other group (p=0.001). As a result of logistic regression analysis, it was determined that the risk of malignancy increased by 4.44-fold (95% CI 1.4-13.8, p=0.01) in patients with capsule-expanding nodules. Other features that increased the risk of malignancy were hypoechogenicity, microcalcification, and irregular margin presence. In this study, we found that the risk of malignancy increased in nodules expanding the thyroid capsule. Based on the increasing study data on this subject, monitoring thyroid capsule expansion in nodules may take its place among the criteria for malignancy in future evaluations.

Diagnostic Significance of Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy and on-Site Assessment by Pathologists for Thyroid Micronodules

Objective

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) is a safe and effective method for screening malignant thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic effectiveness of US-FNAB for nodules of different sizes.

Methods

A total of 1085 patients with thyroid nodules who underwent US-FNAB between January 2021 and July 2023 were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups based on the maximum diameter of the nodules: there were 324 patients with thyroid nodules ≤5 mm in Group A, 537 patients with thyroid nodules between 6 mm and 10 mm in Group B, and 224 patients with thyroid nodules >10 mm in Group C. The US-FNAB satisfactory specimen rate, biopsy time and cytopathological results for the three groups were collected and compared with the postoperative pathological results.

Results

The US-FNAB satisfactory specimen rates for Groups A, B and C were 84.57% (274/324), 90.13% (484/537) and 94.64% (212/224), respectively. The average biopsy times for Groups A, B, and C were 100.84 ± 41.58 s, 91.20 ± 32.53 s, and 79.01 ± 29.62 s, respectively. In Groups A, B, and C, 103, 192 and 73 patients, respectively, underwent surgery, and the malignancy rates were 88.35%, 85.42% and 72.6%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of US-FNAB in Group A were 78.26%, 81.82%, 97.30%, 31.03%; respectively; those in Group B were 73.78%,85.71%,96.80%, and 35.82%, respectively; and those in Group C were 75.47%, 85.00%, 93.02% and 56.67%, respectively.

Conclusion

The US-FNAB satisfactory specimen rate for thyroid nodules ≤5 mm was relatively low, but the size of nodules had no effect on the diagnostic sensitivity of US-FNAB; additionally, nodules ≤5 mm had a higher probability of malignancy. Therefore, it is necessary to perform US-FNAB for thyroid nodules with a diameter ≤5 mm with malignant signs.

Can Routine Laboratory Tests Be Suggestive in Determining Suspicions of Malignancy in the Case of Thyroid Nodules?

Background and objectives: Thyroid nodules are a common finding in clinical practice and can be either benign or malignant. The aim of this study was to compare laboratory parameters between patients with malignant thyroid nodules and those with benign thyroid nodules. Materials and methods: A total of 845 patients were included, with 251 in the study group (malignant thyroid nodules) and 594 in the control group (benign thyroid nodules). Results: Our results show that there were statistically significant differences in several laboratory parameters, including FT3, FT4, ESR, fibrinogen, WBC, and lymphocyte percentage, between the two patient groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that certain laboratory parameters may be useful in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules and could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. However, further diagnostic tests such as fine-needle aspiration biopsy and imaging studies are typically required for an accurate diagnosis. Routine laboratory tests prove most effective when combined with other diagnostic methods to identify thyroid cancer. Although not conclusive on their own, these tests significantly suggest and guide physicians to suspect malignancy in thyroid nodules. This affirmative answer to our question, "Can routine laboratory tests be suggestive in determining suspicions of malignancy in the case of thyroid nodules?" aligns with the results of our study.

Association between diagnostic efficacy of acoustic radiation force impulse for benign and malignant thyroid nodules and the presence or absence of non-papillary thyroid cancer: A meta-analysis

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) for benign and malignant thyroid nodules in the presence and absence of non-papillary thyroid cancer (NPTC) and to determine the cut-off values of Shear Wave Velocity (SWV) for the highest diagnostic efficacy of Virtual Touch Quantification (VTQ) and Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging and Quantification (VTIQ).

Methods

The diagnostic accuracy of ARFI for benign and malignant thyroid nodules was assessed by pooling sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) in each group in the presence and absence of both non-papillary thyroid glands, using histology and cytology as the gold standard. All included studies were divided into two groups according to VTQ and VTIQ, and each group was ranked according to the magnitude of the SWV cutoff value to determine the SWV cutoff interval with the highest diagnostic efficacy for VTQ and VTIQ.

Results

A total of 57 studies were collected on the evaluation of ARFI for the diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. The results showed that the presence of non-papillary thyroid carcinoma led to differences in the specificity of VTIQ for the identification of benign and malignant thyroid nodules, and the differences were statistically significant. In addition, the diagnostic efficacy of VTQ was best when the cutoff value of SWV was in the interval of 2.48-2.55 m/s, and the diagnostic efficacy of VTIQ was best when the cutoff value of SWV was in the interval of 3.01-3.15 m/s.

Conclusion

VTQ and VTIQ have a high diagnostic value for benign and malignant thyroid nodules; however, when the malignant nodules in the study contain non-papillary thyroid carcinoma occupying the thyroid gland, the findings should be viewed in a comprehensive manner.

The comparison of the histopathological results of the thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsies in the 795 patients with thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) by the postthyroidectomy pathology results.

METHOD

Seven hundred and ninety-five patients with FNAB and following thyroid operations which have been performed between April 2008 and December 2019 were included in this study. By comparing the results of the FNAB and final pathologies, the specificity, sensitivity, FNR, false positivity ratio (FPR), accuracy and also the effect of nodule diameter on these have been evaluated. In Bethesda III subgroup according to FNAB, we investigated the malignancy rates and in whom this risk has been increased more.

RESULTS

In our study, the sensitivity of FNAB is 73.40%, the specificity is 95.33%, the accuracy is 91.81%, FNR is 26.60% and FPR is 4.67%. In the patients with nodules ≥4 cm and < 4 cm respectively, we calculated the sensitivity 20.0% vs 79.76%, specificity 95.73% vs 95.19%, accuracy 89.82% vs 92.78%, FNR 80.0% vs 20.24%, FPR 4.27% vs 4.8%.

CONCLUSION

Thyroid FNAB is an easy procedure with a high specificity and sensitivity. Nevertheless, when the nodule diameter was ≥4 cm, increased FNR and decreased sensitivity should be kept in mind while evaluating the patients.

Impact of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology for diagnosis of thyroid nodules

BACKGROUND

Previous clinical studies have reported that ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (UGFNAC) can be used for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules (TN) effectively. However, no study has systematically explored its diagnosis accuracy in patients with TN. Thus, this study will assess its diagnosis accuracy for TN.

METHODS

We will perform a comprehensive literature search from the following databases from their inceptions to the present without language restrictions: MEDILINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. We will consider all case-controlled studies investigating the impacts of UGFNAC diagnosis for patients with TN for inclusion. Two authors will independently carry out study selection, data collection, and methodological quality assessment. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool will be used for methodological quality evaluation. We will use RevMan V.5.3 and Stata V.12.0 software to perform statistical analysis.

RESULTS

We will apply sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio to judge the diagnostic accuracy of UGFNAC for TN.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study will provide latest evidence for the diagnostic accuracy of UGFNAC for TN.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42019138805.

Comparison of surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology with histopathological diagnosis of thyroid nodules

Objective:

To assess the Solitary thyroid nodules by surgeon- performed ultrasound-guided FNAC and evaluate with the histopathological findings.

Methods:

This study includes 100 Consecutive patients of a solitary thyroid nodule which were presented to the Outpatients Department of Surgery during the period of two years from September 2016 to August 2018. Exclusion criteria were patients with extra-thyroid swelling, diffuse goiter and multinodular goiter. All patients with a solitary thyroid nodule underwent Surgeon –performed ultrasound-guided FNAC in the department of Radiology. After thyroid surgery, thyroid specimens were sent for histopathology and evaluate with FNAC findings.

Results:

The study included hundred patients with solitary thyroid nodule, 75(75%) female and 25 (25%) male with a ratio of F 3:1M. The age of the patients ranged from 15-75 years with a mean age of 35 years. The result of 100 cases of Surgeon –performed Ultrasound –guide FNAC of a solitary thyroid nodule were inconclusive in 10 cases (10%), Non-neoplastic in 60 cases (60%) and Neoplastic lesions in 30 cases (30%). After evaluation of findings from FNAC and histopathology, four cases with benign FNAC (adenomatous/colloid Goiter) turnout as neoplastic (papillary carcinoma) on histopathology and six cases with neoplastic FNAC (papillary carcinoma), just two cases turnout as benign (nodular colloid goiter with cystic degeneration) on histopathology. In present study Surgeon – performed Us FNAC has found to be 87.5% sensitive, 95.3% specific and 92.0% diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion:

Surgeon – performed Ultrasound-guided FNAC is a safe, simple and accurate technique in the diagnosis of solitary thyroid nodule.

Malignancy risk for thyroid nodules larger than 4 cm and diagnostic reliability of ultrasound-guided FNAB results

Objectives

Our aim in the present study was to investigate the relation between thyroid nodule diameter and malignancy, and the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for thyroid nodules larger than 4 cm.

Material and Methods

Preoperative patient demographics such as age and gender, thyroid nodule diameter, FNAB results and postoperative pathology results were recorded. The relation between age, gender, thyroid nodule size of the patients and malignancy was examined. Also, the sensitivity, specificity, false negativity, false positivity and accuracy rates of FNBA of the patients whose thyroid nodule size was lower than 4 cm and the ones whose thyroid nodule size was higher than 4 cm were analyzed.

Results

There was no significant difference between males and females in terms of malignancy rate (p= 0.15). There was no significant relation between malignancy and patient age (p= 0.92). No significant difference was found between the group with thyroid nodule diameter of > 4 cm and the group thyroid with nodule diameter of <4 cm in terms of malignancy (p= 0.91). In the group with thyroid nodule diameter of > 4 cm, sensitivity, specificity, false negativity, false positivity, and accuracy rates of FNAB were 15%, 100%, 84%, 0%, and 70%, respectively. In the group with thyroid nodule diameter of <4 cm, sensitivity, specificity, false negativity, false positivity, and accuracy rates of FNAB were 53%, 100%, 46%, 0% and 80%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study put forward that thyroid nodule diameter is not the only predictor parameter whilst predicting malignancy. However, it was observed that FNAB sensitivity and false negativity were higher when the thyroid nodules with > 4 cm diameter were compared to the thyroid nodules with <4 cm diameter.

Evaluation of Thyroid Lesions by Fine-needle Aspiration Cytology According to Bethesda System and its Histopathological Correlation

Background:

The Bethesda system is a uniform reporting system for thyroid cytology that facilitates the clarity of communication among cytopathologists, radiologists, and surgeons and facilitates cytohistologic correlation for thyroid diseases.

Objective:

This study was carried out to evaluate thyroid lesions by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) based on Bethesda system of reporting and to correlate the cytological findings with histopathology.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 606 patients with thyroid lesions were studied by FNAC at our institute between January 1, 2006, and January 31, 2016, and results were compared with histopathology wherever possible.

Results:

Based on the Bethesda system of classification of thyroid lesions, out of 580 satisfactory samples; 501 lesions were diagnosed as benign (Group 1), five were in category of atypical follicular lesion of atypia undetermined significance (Group 2), 55 were diagnosed as suspicious for follicular neoplasm (Group 3), 7 as suspicious for malignancy (Group 4), and 12 cases were malignant (Group 5). 26 aspirates were nondiagnostic even after reaspiration. In the present study, cytohistopathological correlation was done in 148 benign and 18 malignant lesions. The sensitivity of FNAC was 85.7%, specificity 98.6%, and diagnostic accuracy 97.7%.

Conclusion:

Reviewing the thyroid FNAs with the Bethesda system for reporting allowed precise cytological diagnosis. It represents standardization and reproducibility in reporting thyroid cytology with improved clinical significance and greater predictive value. Nature of the disease, experience of cytopathologist, and understanding of certain limitations determine its diagnostic utility.

Reliability of fine needle aspiration biopsy in large thyroid nodules

OBJECTIVE

Fine needle aspiration biopsy provides one of the most important data that determines the treatment algorithm of thyroid nodules. Nevertheless, the reliability of fine needle aspiration biopsy is controversial in large nodules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of fine needle aspiration biopsy in thyroid nodules that are four cm or greater.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively examined 219 patients files who underwent thyroidectomy for thyroid nodules that were greater than four centimeter between May 2007 and December 2012. Seventy-four patients with hyperthyroidism, and 18 patients without preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology were excluded from the study. Histopathologic results after thyroidectomy were compared with preoperative cytology results, and sensitivity and specificity rates were calculated.

RESULTS

False-negativity, sensitivity and specificity rates of fine needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules were found to be 9.7%, 55.5%, and 85%, respectively. Within any nodule of the 127 patients, 28 (22.0%) had thyroid cancer. However, when only nodules of at least 4 cm were evaluated, thyroid cancer was detected in 22 (17.3%) patients.

CONCLUSION

In this study, fine needle aspiration biopsy of large thyroid nodules was found to have a high false-negativity rate. The limitations of fine-needle aspiration biopsy should be taken into consideration in treatment planning of thyroid nodules larger than four centimeters.

Cytological Evaluation of Thyroid Lesions by Nuclear Morphology and Nuclear Morphometry

Introduction:

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid gland is an effective diagnostic method. The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology classifies them into six categories and gives implied risk for malignancy and management protocol in each category. Though the system gives specific criteria, diagnostic dilemma still exists. Using nuclear morphometry, we can quantify the number of parameters, such as those related to nuclear size and shape. The evaluation of nuclear morphometry is not well established in thyroid cytology.

Objective:

To classify thyroid lesions on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) using Bethesda system and to evaluate the significance of nuclear parameters in improving the prediction of thyroid malignancy.

Materials and Methods:

In the present study, 120 FNAC cases of thyroid lesions with histological diagnosis were included. Computerized nuclear morphometry was done on 81 cases which had confirmed cytohistological correlation, using Aperio computer software. One hundred nuclei from each case were outlined and eight nuclear parameters were analyzed.

Results:

In the present study, thyroid lesions were common in female with M: F ratio of 1:5 and most commonly in 40–60 yrs. Under Bethesda system, 73 (60.83%) were category II; 14 (11.6%) were category III, 3 (2.5%) were category IV, 8 (6.6%) were category V, and 22 (18.3%) were category VI, which were malignant on histopathological correlation. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of Bethesda reporting system are 62.5, 84.38, and 74.16%, respectively. Minimal nuclear diameter, maximal nuclear diameter, nuclear perimeter, and nuclear area were higher in malignant group compared to nonneoplastic and benign group.

Conclusion:

The Bethesda system is a useful standardized system of reporting thyroid cytopathology. It gives implied risk of malignancy. Nuclear morphometry by computerized image analysis can be utilized as an additional diagnostic tool.

Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Children: Focus on the American Thyroid Association Pediatric Guidelines

First introduced in 1946, radioactive iodine (I-131) produces short-range beta radiation with a half-life of 8 days. The physical properties of I-131 combined with the high degree of uptake in the differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) led to the use of I-131 as a therapeutic agent for DTC in adults. There are two indications for the potential use of I-131 therapy in pediatric thyroid disorders: nonsurgical treatment of hyperthyroidism owing to Graves' disease and the treatment of children with intermediate- and high-risk DTC. However, children are not just miniature adults. Not only are children and the pediatric thyroid gland more sensitive to radiation than adults but also the biologic behavior of DTC differs between children and adults as well. As opposed to adults, children with DTC typically present with advanced disease at diagnosis; yet, they respond rapidly to therapy and have an excellent prognosis that is significantly better than that in adult counterparts with advanced disease. Unfortunately, there are also higher rates of local and distant disease recurrence in children with DTC compared with adults, mandating lifelong surveillance. Further, children have a longer life expectancy during which the adverse effects of I-131 therapy may become manifest. Recognizing the differences between adults and children with DTC, the American Thyroid Association commissioned a task force of experts who developed and recently published a guideline to address the unique issues related to the management of thyroid nodules and DTC in children. This article reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, staging, treatment, therapy-related effects, and suggestions for surveillance in children with DTC, focusing not only on the differences between adults and children with this disease but also on the latest recommendations from the inaugural pediatric management guidelines of the American Thyroid Association.

A Rare and Severe Complication Following Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration: Retropharyngeal Cellulitis

INTRODUCTION

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the most accurate and cost-effective method for evaluating thyroid nodules. We have reported a rare complication related to the procedure: severe retropharyngeal cellulitis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A thirty-five-year-old female was admitted to hospital with hoarseness, laryngeal stridor and dyspnea without fever that emerged about 3 days after a first diagnostic FNA. After the procedure, the patient felt her voice became hoarse and 1 day before presentation began to have dyspnea, without fever. It had become difficult for her to swallow solids, and she felt as if food was sticking in her throat. In the emergency room, hematochemical tests and CT scan of the neck/mediastinum had been performed. This showed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and a severe cellulitis framework with involvement of the laterocervical neck area and in particular, the invasion of the retropharynx and the upper part of the mediastinum. The patient was admitted in hospital for an anti-inflammatory therapy with cortisone and antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time to our knowledge, we have reported a severe retropharyngeal and upper mediastinum cellulitis, probably due to the FNA procedure in an immunocompetent young woman.

SHOULD FNA BE PERFORMED IN PATIENTS WITH A MULTINODULAR GOITER AND COMPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS?

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to determine whether preoperative thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in patients with multinodular goiter (MNG) and compressive symptoms influences the type of thyroid surgery performed, the incidence of recurrent thyroid cancer, or the need for successive surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 431 patients who underwent thyroidectomy at our institution from 2008 to 2011. Patients who presented with compressive symptoms and no prior FNA at initial presentation were included in this study.

RESULTS

Eighty patients met the criteria for our study, of which 46 (57.5%) underwent FNA prior to surgery and 34 (42.5%) were referred to surgery without FNA. The prevalence rates of malignancy (>1 cm) on surgical pathology in the FNA and non-FNA groups were 41% (n = 19) and 38% (n = 13), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the rate of total/subtotal thyroidectomies (71.7% in FNA vs. 79.4% in non-FNA, P = .31), lobectomies/partial thyroidectomies (28.3% in FNA vs. 20.5% in non-FNA, P = .43), neck lymph node dissections (P = .89) or subsequent surgeries (P = .72) between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that preoperative FNA in patients with an MNG and compressive symptoms does not influence the type of surgery performed, short-term outcomes, or the need for subsequent surgeries. Further studies are needed to validate the need for preoperative FNA in such patients.

ABBREVIATIONS

FNA = fine-needle aspiration MNG = multinodular goiter WHO = World Health Organization.

Thyroid Cancer Metabolism: A Review

Metabolic dysregulation within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical to the process of tumorigenesis in various cancer types. Thyrocyte metabolism in papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancer, however, remains poorly characterized, and studies analyzing the role of multicompartment metabolism in thyrocyte oncogenesis are sparse. We present a review of the current knowledge on cellular metabolism in non-cancerous and cancerous thyroid tissues, focusing on the monocarboxylate transporters MCT1 and MCT4, and on a transporter of the outer mitochondrial membrane TOMM20. Understanding the metabolic phenotype of tumor cells and associated stromal cells in thyroid cancer can have profound implications on the use of biomarker staining in detecting subclinical cancer, imaging as it relates to expression of various transport proteins, and therapeutic interventions that manipulate this dysregulated tumor metabolism to halt tumorigenesis and eradicate the cancer. Future studies are required to confirm the prognostic significance of these biomarkers and their correlation with existing staging schemas such as the AGES, AMES, ATA and MACIS scoring systems.

Predictive value of intratumoral heterogeneity of F-18 FDG uptake for characterization of thyroid nodules according to Bethesda categories of fine needle aspiration biopsy results

The current study was aimed to investigate the clinical value of intratumoral heterogeneity of F-18 FDG uptake for characterization of thyroid nodule (TN) with inconclusive fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) results. The current study enrolled 200 patients who showed F-18 FDG incidentaloma and were performed FNAB. The intratumoral heterogeneity of F-18 FDG uptake was represented as the heterogeneity factor (HF), defined as the derivative (dV/dT) of a volume-threshold function for a primary tumor. The diagnostic and predictive values of HF and F-18 FDG PET/CT parameters were evaluated for characterization of inconclusive FNAB results. Among F-18 FDG PET/CT parameters, SUVmax, MTV, and TLG of malignant group were statistically higher than those of Bethesda category of suspicious malignant group. However, HF values were not statistically different between the groups of Bethesda categories (Kruskal-Wallis statistics, 9.924; p = 0.0774). In ROC analysis, when HF > 2.751 was used as cut-off value, the sensitivity and specificity for prediction of malignant TN were 100 % (95 % CI 69.2-100 %) and 60 % (95 % CI 42.1-76.1 %), respectively. The AUC was 0.826 (95 % CI 0.684-0.922) and standard error was 0.0648 (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the intratumoral heterogeneity of F-18 FDG uptake represented by HF could be a predictor for characterization of TN with inconclusive FNAB results. Additional large population-based prospective studies are needed to validate the diagnostic utility of HF of F-18 FDG PET/CT.

Diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy for detection of malignancy in pediatric thyroid nodules: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is an accurate test commonly used to determine whether thyroid nodules are malignant in adults. However, less is known about its diagnostic accuracy for this purpose in children, where conduct of FNAB is less frequent, more technically challenging, and pre-test probabilities of malignancy are often higher. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of FNAB for the detection of malignancy in pediatric thyroid nodules.

METHODS

We will search electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Evidence-Based Medicine) from their date of inception, reference lists of included articles, proceedings from relevant conferences, and the table of contents of the Journal of Pediatric Surgery (January 2007-present). Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts and identify diagnostic accuracy studies involving FNAB of the thyroid in children. We will include studies comparing FNAB to a reference standard of surgical histopathology or clinical follow-up for detection of malignancy in pediatric thyroid nodules. Two investigators will independently extract data and assess risk of bias using the Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-II tool. Pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios will be calculated using bivariate random-effects and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic models. In the presence of between-study heterogeneity, we will conduct stratified meta-analyses and meta-regression to determine whether diagnostic accuracy estimates vary by country of origin, use of ultrasound guidance during FNAB, qualifications of the individuals performing/interpreting FNAB, adherence to the Bethesda criteria for cytology classification, length of clinical follow-up, timing of data collection, patient selection methods, and presence of verification bias.

DISCUSSION

This meta-analysis will determine the diagnostic accuracy of FNAB for detection of malignancy in pediatric thyroid nodules and explore whether heterogeneity observed across studies may be explained by variations in patient population, FNAB technique or interpretation, and/or study-level risks of bias. This will be the first study to determine the accuracy of Bethesda cytological classification levels of FNAB (benign, atypical, follicular, suspicious, malignant). We expect that our results will help in guiding clinical decision-making in children with thyroid nodules.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO No. CRD42014007140.

Thyroid Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: an evaluation of its utility in a community setting

Background

Thyroid cancer rates are on the rise worldwide with over 5000 new cases estimated in Canada in 2012. The American Thyroid Association recommends the use of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) in the workup of thyroid nodules. Studies show that thyroid FNA accuracy may vary based on interpretation by cytopathologists in academic versus community centres. To date, there has been no literature published addressing the accuracy or utility of preoperative FNA in a Canadian community center. Our goals were to demonstrate the accuracy of thyroid FNA at our centre, and to compare our results to those published in the literature.

Methods

Medical records for patients who underwent thyroidectomy performed by two otolaryngologists in Fredericton, NB, between September 2008 and February 2013 were reviewed. 125 patients with 197 FNAs were analyzed. Fisher’s Exact test was used to compare the malignancy rates in each FNA category, and Chi-Square test was used for FNA distribution comparison.

Results

The distribution of all FNA diagnoses at our centre was as follows: 38 (19%) benign, 100 (51%) inconclusive, 8 (4%) suspicious for malignancy, 2 (1%) malignant, and 49 (25%) unsatisfactory. FNA distribution was significantly different between our centre and comparison centres (Chi-Square p < 0.05). Our malignancy rates within each category using each FNA sample as a data point were 26.3%, 29.0%, 75%, 100% and 12.2% respectively. Comparison to other community studies revealed that we have significantly higher malignancy rates with benign FNAs (Fisher’s exact p = <0.05). Analysis using our most malignant FNA data yielded similar results.

Conclusion

Thyroid FNA accuracy varies between institutions, and this may affect its utility in the workup of a thyroid nodule at some centres. Expert cytopathology opinions may be an asset in interpreting FNA samples in small community centres where volumes are relatively low, however our data do not support this assertion. It is essential that physicians continue to use clinical judgment first and foremost when evaluating thyroid nodules.

Examining the Bethesda criteria risk stratification of thyroid nodules

BACKGROUND

The Bethesda criteria are proposed for appropriate stratification of malignancy risk in thyroid nodules, but controversy exists regarding their accuracy and reliability in decision making. Additionally, previous studies have suggested higher rates of both malignancy and false negative fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) associated with increasing nodule size. This study aims to determine the accuracy of ultrasound (US)-guided FNA using the current Bethesda criteria in surgical practice. We also aimed to investigate the relationship between nodule size and malignancy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of US-guided FNAs by a single surgeon during a 4.5 year period. FNA results using Bethesda criteria were compared to final surgical pathology.

RESULTS

611 patients with thyroid nodules underwent US-guided FNA. FNA results in 375 subsequently excised thyroid nodules were recorded according to the Bethesda criteria: 192 (51%) benign, 65 (17%) atypia of unknown significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS), 42 (11%), suspicious for follicular neoplasm (SFN), 17 (5%) suspicious for malignancy (SM), 28 (8%) malignancy, and 31 (8%) non-diagnostic. Malignancy was confirmed by surgical pathology in 15%, 34%, 50%, 88%, 100%, and 39% of the above groups respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and false-negative rate were 61%, 99%, and 15% respectively. No correlation existed between the size of nodules with indeterminate FNA results and malignancy rate (p=0.89), or size of nodules with non-diagnostic FNA and malignancy rate (p=0.50).

CONCLUSION

The current Bethesda risk stratification system underestimated malignancy rates in benign, indeterminate and non-diagnostic cytopathologic categories in our experience. There was no positive linear correlation between nodule size and malignancy rate in these cytopathologic categories.

Preoperative Evaluation of Thyroid Epithelial Lesions by DNA Ploidy and Galectin-3 Expression in FNAC

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the value of DNA ploidy and galectins-3 immunostain in the preoperative evaluation of thyroid epithelial lesions.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients presenting with thyroid enlargement were included in this study and referred by clinicians for FNA. Routine cytological evaluation was done on PAP   stained slides according to the WHO criteria and at least three slides were prepared for routine cytological examinations. The nuclear DNA analysis was performed at the Pathology Department, National Research Center using the Leica Qwin 500 Image Analyzer (LEICA Imaging Systems Ltd, Cambridge, England). Galectin-3 expression was investigated in all tissues using streptavidin-biotin technique.RESULTS: Conventional Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of 60 cases could diagnose malignancy with a sensitivity of 60%, negative predictive value (NPV) 71.4%, and overall diagnostic accuracy of 80%. The aneuploidy was significantly associated with malignancy, with sensitivity 90.9%, specificity 83.3% and accuracy 88.3%. On using galectin-3 immunocytochemichal stain on cell blocks prepared from FNA the values were improved, sensitivity 93.3% specificity 86.7% and overall accuracy 90% and it was noticed that galectin-3 over expression was significantly associated with malignancy.CONCLUSIONS: From the results of this study we can consider that DNA ploidy and Galectin-3 could refine the FNA results and  increase its sensitivity as a screening test from sensitivity(60%) to reach sensitivity (93.3%), thus decreasing the false negative cases. From this study, it is concluded that the application of ancillary techniques as galectin-3 immunocytochemical markers may become a reliable indicator for surgical intervention, DNA ploidy measurements on the other hand may be of value in galectin-3 negative cases to determine the behavior of the lesion in such cases & refine the preoperative assessment by out ruling false negative cases.

Predictors of non-diagnostic cytology in surgeon-performed ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules

BACKGROUND

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the standard of care for the diagnostic work-up of thyroid nodules but despite its proven utility, the non-diagnostic rate for thyroid FNA ranges from 6-36%. A non-diagnostic FNA is problematic for the clinician and patient because it can result in repeated procedures, multiple physician visits, and a delay in definitive treatment. Surgeon-performed FNA has been shown to be safe, cost-effective, as accurate as those performed by other clinicians, and has the added benefit of decreasing wait times to surgery. Several studies have examined rates and factors that may be predictive of a non-diagnostic cytology in non-surgeon FNA, but none have evaluated this in surgeon-performed thyroid FNA. If these factors are unique in surgeon-performed vs. non-surgeon performed thyroid FNA, then patients may be more appropriately triaged to FNA by alternate clinicians.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the rate and factors predictive of a non-diagnostic FNA in surgeon performed ultrasound-guided FNA of thyroid nodules.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of all adult patients who underwent thyroid FNA by a staff, fellow, or resident Otolaryngologist at the University of Alberta between January 2011 and June 2013. Factors analyzed included patient factors, thyroid characteristics, nodule characteristics, and surgeon level of training and experience. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were performed.

RESULTS

131 patients (180 nodules) were reviewed. The non-diagnostic rate was 23%. Nodules with predominant cystic component, those less than 1 cm, and resident-performed FNA were associated with non-diagnostic cytology (p = 0.001, p = 0.02, p = 0.04 respectively). A cystic nodule was the only independent predictor of non-diagnostic FNA on multivariate analysis (OR = 4.441, 95% CI [1.785-11.045], p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of non-diagnostic thyroid FNA performed by a surgeon with ultrasound guidance is similar to other clinicians. A cystic nodule is a strong independent predictor of non-diagnostic cytology. Non-cystic nodules may particularly benefit from surgeon-performed thyroid FNA due to the high diagnostic rate and potential for earlier definitive management.

False negative cytology in large thyroid nodules

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists regarding the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in large thyroid nodules. Recent surgical series have documented false-negative rates ranging from 0.7 to 13 %. We examined the accuracy of benign FNA cytology in patients with thyroid nodules ≥3 cm who underwent surgical resection and identified features characteristic of false-negative results.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied all thyroidectomy specimens between January 2009 and October 2011 and identified nodules ≥3 cm with corresponding benign preoperative FNA cytology. We collected clinical information regarding patient demographics, nodule size, symptoms, sonographic features, FNA results, and final surgical pathology. For comparison, we analyzed nodules <3 cm from this cohort also with benign FNA cytology.

RESULTS

A total of 323 nodules with benign preoperative cytology were identified. Eighty-three nodules were <3 cm, 94 nodules were 3-3.9 cm, and 146 nodules were ≥4 cm in size. The false-negative rate was 11.7 % for all nodules ≥3 cm and 4.8 % for nodules <3 cm (p = 0.03). Subgroup analysis of nodules ≥3 cm revealed a false-negative rate of 12.8 % for nodules 3-3.9 cm and 11 % for nodules ≥4 cm. Age ≥55 years and asymptomatic clinical status were the only patient characteristics that reached statistical significance as risk factors. Final pathology of the false-negative specimens consisted mainly of follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer and follicular thyroid cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

When referred for thyroidectomy, patients with large thyroid nodules demonstrate a modest, yet significant, false-negative rate despite initial benign aspiration cytology. Therefore, thyroid nodules ≥3 cm may be considered for removal even when referred with benign preoperative cytology.

Molecular characterization of 54 cases of false-negative fine-needle aspiration among 1347 papillary thyroid carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has been widely accepted as the most crucial step in the preoperative assessment of thyroid nodules, but the false-negative rates are generally reported to be between 3.6% and 10.2%. To lower the overall incidence of this false-negative testing, new reporting systems encourage the molecular testing of thyroid nodules. However, to the authors' knowledge, the role of molecular testing in false-negative FNA has not yet been evaluated.

METHODS

In total, 1347 consecutive papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) with both cytological and histological diagnoses were collected from the same center. A blinded revision of the false-negative cases was performed. An analysis of the BRAF and Ras genes in the false-negative cases was then performed.

RESULTS

The false-negative rate at the time of primary FNA diagnosis was 4.8% (65 of 1347 cases). False-negative cases were 15 follicular variant PTCs, 2 classical variant, and 1 solid variant that lacked peculiar PTC cytomorphological features. Adequate cellular material for molecular analysis was available only in 54 of the 65 false-negative cases. Mutations were found in 6 cases (11%), and Ras alterations were present in 16 cases (29.6%). The addition of molecular analysis decreased the false-negative rate to 0.4% (5 of 1347 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study confirm the feasibility of BRAF and Ras analysis in routine FNA. However, when the false-negative FNA rate is low, the cost-benefit analysis of the detection of BRAF and Ras mutations should be carefully evaluated. Consequently, the authors suggest that preoperative molecular assessment could be helpful for benign nodules, but only in the presence of clinical suspicion of malignancy.

Comparison of diagnostic efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound, acoustic radiation force impulse imaging, and their combined use in differentiating focal solid thyroid nodules

BACKGROUND

A key limitation of conventional ultrasound (US) includes poor differentiation of benign from malignant thyroid nodules. Contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) and acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) could provide better characterization of focal thyroid nodules; however, no studies have compared their efficacies.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of conventional US,CEUS, ARFI, and their combined use in differentiating focal solid thyroid nodules.

METHODS

One-hundred-forty-six Chinese patients with 175 thyroid nodules (119 benign and 56 malignant) were prospectively enrolled. Each patients underwent conventional US, CEUS and ARFI, respectively. The diagnostic performance of the conventional US, CEUS, ARFI, combined use of either CEUS or ARFI and combined use of the three modalities were assessed and compared using Pathological diagnosis (histological/cytological) as the reference method.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between individual groups (CEUS vs US, P = 0.279, ARFI vs US, P = 0.372, CEUS vs ARFI, P = 0.849), combined use of US and CEUS or combined use of US and ARFI yielded significant difference compared to US. (combination of US & CEUS vs US, P = 0.021; combination of US & ARFI vs US, P = 0.036). The combination of three modalities significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy compared with either combination of conventional US and CEUS or combination of conventional US and ARFI (P = 0.045 and P  = 0.027, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

CEUS and ARFI can be used as an additional tool in the diagnostic work up of thyroid nodules. The combination of CEUS with ARFI can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Fine needle aspiration cytology as the primary diagnostic tool in thyroid enlargement

Background:

In the preoperative decision-making of the thyroid swellings, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is becoming an ever more vital tool.

Objectives:

To compare the advantage of preoperative FNAC of thyroid swellings with postoperative histopathology to reach a consensus protocol as a simple procedure for diagnosis and optimal management of thyroid swellings.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective study of preoperative FNAC was carried out on 178 incidental thyroid swellings attending a tertiary care centre in Kishanganj, Bihar. Evidence-based surgical interventions were done, irrespective of FNAC findings and diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination (HPE) postoperatively in all the cases.

Results:

In the FNAC, preponderance of the cases (75.84%) was colloid goitre followed by granulomatous thyroiditis; follicular carcinoma was noted in 7.30 percent and anaplastic carcinoma in 3.37 percent of cases. Histopathological examination showed colloid goitre predominantly (76.97%), followed by follicular carcinoma (8.99%). The overall prevalence of malignancy was 11.24 percent diagnosed by HPE and 9.55 percent by FNAC. In our FNAC series sensitivity of was 90 percent while specificity was 100 percent; accuracy was 98.88 percent. Predictive value of a positive test and negative tests was 100 percent and 98.75 percent respectively.

Conclusion:

The study highlights that FNAC should be treated as a first-line diagnostic test for thyroid swellings to guide the management though this is not a substitute for HPE as a need to improve primary healthcare in India.

Reliability of fine-needle aspiration for thyroid nodules greater than or equal to 4 cm

BACKGROUND

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is considered the diagnostic test of choice in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. Some practice recommendations, however, suggest surgical resection of larger thyroid nodules due to concerns of FNA unreliability in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of FNA in thyroid nodules ≥4 cm.

METHODS

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 1068 consecutive patients who underwent FNA and thyroidectomy at a single tertiary medical center from 2003 to 2010 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: those patients with a dominant thyroid nodule ≥4 cm (n = 212) and those patients with a dominant thyroid nodule <4 cm (n = 856). Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were calculated for FNA results and final histopathology after thyroidectomy.

RESULTS

Of 212 patients with lesions ≥4 cm, 35% had thyroid malignancy on final pathology. Conversely, 54% of 856 patients with dominant thyroid nodules <4 cm had a final diagnosis of thyroid cancer after thyroidectomy. FNA demonstrated similar test characteristics among patients with lesions ≥4 cm and <4 cm, with a specificity of 99% (CI: 96%-100%) and 98% (CI: 96%-99.0%), respectively, and a sensitivity of 35% (CI: 23%-49%) and 42% (CI: 37%-46%), respectively. The positive predictive value of FNA was 82% (CI: 75%-100%) for nodules ≥4 cm and 96% (CI: 92%-98%) for nodules <4 cm. Negative predictive value was significantly different, with a value of 82% (CI: 75%-87%) for lesions ≥4 cm and only 59% (CI: 55%-63%) for lesions <4 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

The reliability of FNA as a diagnostic test is not affected by the size of thyroid nodules. Routine surgical resection for all thyroid nodules ≥4 cm should not be used as the only independent factor in determining need for surgical resection.

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of thyroid nodules: assessment of the ideal number of punctures

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of punctures in fine-needle aspiration biopsies required for a safe cytological analysis of thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study with focus on diagnosis. The study population included 94 patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients participating in the study was 52 years (standard-deviation = 13.7) and 90.4% of them were women. Considering each puncture as an independent event, the first puncture has showed conclusive results in 78.7% of cases, the second, in 81.6%, and the third, in 71.8% of cases. With a view to the increasing chance of a conclusive diagnosis at each new puncture, two punctures have showed conclusive results in 89.5% of cases, and three punctures, in 90.6% of cases with at least one conclusive result. CONCLUSION: Two punctures in fine-needle aspiration biopsies of thyroid nodules have lead to diagnosis in 89.5% of cases in the study sample, suggesting that there is no need for multiple punctures to safely obtain the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

Image cytometry of fine needle aspiration of thyroid epithelial lesions

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy has been documented as a reliable, cost-effective test, diagnosing different thyroid lesions. However, its sensitivity declines much in some settings. This study aimed to investigate the value of computerized morphometry and DNA ploidy in differential diagnosis of different thyroid epithelial follicular lesions diagnosed on FNA smears. In this study, 68 cases of thyroid FNA were cytologically examined, and classified according to their postthyroidectomy histopathologic diagnosis as follow: 10 cases of nodular goiter, 14 cases of adenomas, 10 cases of follicular carcinoma, 20 cases of papillary carcinoma, 10 cases of anaplastic carcinoma, and 4 cases of poorly differentiated carcinoma. Using Leica Qwin 500 image analysis system, nuclear area as a morphologic variable, and the DNA ploidy, DNA index, and proliferation indices were measured for each case. Sensitivity of FNA in the studied cases was optimum (100%) in papillary carcinomas and anaplastic carcinomas. However, the sensitivity declined sharply in discriminating nodular goiter and follicular adenoma from well-differentiated follicular carcinoma, thus, most of these cases were diagnosed as follicular lesions. A significant difference in mean values of nuclear area was found between benign and malignant lesions, with no statistical differences within the benign group. Aneuploidy was significantly associated with malignancy. Therefore, image analysis may become an important ancillary test in the initial evaluation of patients with thyroid epithelial lesions.

Initially non-diagnostic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules: value and management

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound (US)-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an accurate, reliable, and simple method to identify a thyroid nodule as benign or malignant. However, non-diagnostic cytology results for thyroid nodules are a major limitation of US-guided FNAC.

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence of thyroid cancer among cases with non-diagnostic results on FNAC and to provide suggestions for the management of thyroid nodules that are initially non-diagnostic by FNAC according to ultrasonographic findings.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From July 2006 to December 2009, 10,317 thyroid nodules in 6684 consecutive patients underwent US-guided FNAC at our institute. Among these, 871 thyroid nodules (8.4%) were diagnosed as non-diagnostic on initial cytologic evaluation and 196 underwent a second or third FNAC. Twenty-seven thyroid nodules (18.9%) underwent surgery, while 116 thyroid nodules were cytologically confirmed as benign with no remarkable change on follow-up US were included. We retrospectively reviewed the US findings for a total of 143 thyroid nodules (123 benign nodules and 20 malignant nodules). The US features that we compared included composition, echogenicity, margin, calcifications, shape, and underlying echogenicity.

RESULTS

In total, thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 20 nodules (14.0%). The size of the nodule was significantly associated with malignancy (P < 0.05). Most of the sonographically probable benign nodules were found to be benign (97.6%). Suspicious nodules on US were thyroid cancer in 43.2% of cases. Marked hypoechogenicity, microlobulated or irregular margin, microcalcifications, and taller-than-wide shape were significant US findings that correlated with malignancy (P < 0.05). The diagnostic performance of ultrasound for initially non-diagnostic thyroid nodules was as follows: sensitivity of 90.0%, specificity of 65.0%, positive predictive value of 29.5%, and negative predictive value of 97.6%.

CONCLUSION

In terms of management of thyroid nodules with non-diagnostic FNAC cytology, US evaluation is a feasible and useful method for predicting malignancy.

Are there predictors of malignancy in patients with multinodular goiter?

BACKGROUND

Multinodular goiters (MNG) have recently been shown to have an incidence of cancer that approaches that of solitary thyroid nodule. However, fine needle aspiration (FNA) of a MNG is limited due to the presence of multiple nodules. Therefore we sought to identify risk factors for malignancy in patients with MNG.

METHODS

A total of 1791 consecutive patients underwent thyroidectomy at a single academic institution between May 1994 and December 2009. Of these, 838 patients had a MNG, which we defined as ≥ 2 nodules on preoperative ultrasound. The medical records of these patients were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

A final pathologic diagnosis of malignancy was found in 260 of 838 (31%) of MNG patients. Of the 260 patients with malignancy, 113 (44%) had a focus of cancer <1 cm. Of the patients with malignancy on final pathology, preoperative FNA detected only 46% (n = 120). Of the 140 cancers not recognized preoperatively, 61 (44%) were >1 cm in size. On univariate analysis risk factors for malignancy were younger age and male gender. Patients with malignant nodules also had smaller nodules, smaller thyroids, and fewer nodules than those patients with benign findings on pathology. On multivariate analysis all predictors remained independently associated with malignancy with the exception of thyroid weight.

CONCLUSION

Risk factors for malignancy in a MNG included male gender, younger age, fewer nodules, and smaller nodule size. The low predictive value of FNA in our population suggests there needs to be better ways to predict malignancy in patients with MNG. Therefore, these clinical risk factors should be considered when consulting patients with MNG in regards to their risk of malignancy.

Malignancy rate in nondominant nodules in patients with multinodular goiter: Experience with 1,606 cases evaluated by ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology

Background:

Conventional medical sources recommend the use of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for single thyroid nodules and the dominant nodule in multinodular goiter (MNG). The purpose of the present study was to analyze the utility of FNAC for multiple thyroid nodules in patients with MNG and to determine the rate of malignancy in teh nondominant nodules.

Materials and Methods:

Our private practice performed ultrasound-guided FNAC on 1,606 patients between February 2001 and February 1, 2010. In the MNG cases, samples were taken from the dominant nodule and from trhee suspicious / nonsuspicious nodules larger than 1 cm on ultrasound. Ninety-four cases were diagnosed as ‘suspiciously malignant’(SUS) or ‘malignant’ (POS) based on FNAC.

Results:

The rate of an SUS / POS diagnosis was 5.7% in the dominant nodules; 2.3% of the nondominant nodules had a SUS / POS diagnosis in FNAC (p = 0.0003). Follow-up revealed malignancy in 15 (35.7%) nondominant nodules and in 27 (64.2%) dominant nodules, with 42 MNG cases undergoing surgery. X test showed a ‘p-level of 0.0003’ between the percentages of SUS / POS diagnosis in dominanat and nondominanat nodules. It was less than the significance level of 0.05. Therefore, the result was regarded to be statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Nondominant nodules could harbor malignancy. The risk of malignancy in nondominant nodules in MNG should not be underestimated. We have shown that the dominant nodule in patients with MNG was in fact about 2.5 times more likely to be malignant than a nondominant nodule. The use of FNAC for nondominant nodules could enhance the likelihood of detecting malignancy in an MNG.

Diagnostic accuracy of surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of thyroid nodules

BACKGROUND

There is scant data concerning surgeon-performed thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA), and controversy regarding its accuracy in larger nodules. This study aimed to specifically assess accuracy of surgeon-performed ultrasound (US)-guided FNA on a per-nodule basis, with a subanalysis of nodule size.

METHODS

Data of 1,000 surgeon-performed US-guided thyroid FNAs at a single institution from 2000 to 2010 were prospectively collected. Standard clinical information, FNA results using the Bethesda criteria, and final histology were recorded.

RESULTS

Fine-needle aspiration results were reported as: cancer (7%), suspicious for cancer (2%), suspicious for follicular neoplasm (17%), atypia of unknown significance (AUS) (1%), benign (67%), and insufficient (6%). Of nodules with FNA results of cancer, suspicious for cancer, suspicious for follicular neoplasm, and atypia of unknown significance, 94% were operated on, with malignancy rates of 97%, 58%, 21%, and 12%, respectively. Of nodules with benign FNA, 26% underwent surgery for associated symptoms, concerning features, or other remote pathology. A total of 56% were followed, and 18% were lost to follow-up. Of nodules with insufficient FNA, 46% had repeat FNA (yielding a diagnosis in 81%), 23% underwent surgery, 21% with hypocellular features were followed, and 9% were lost to follow-up. In size subanalysis, there was no statistically significant difference in risk of malignancy or increased rate of falsely negative FNA with increasing nodule size.

CONCLUSIONS

The Bethesda system appropriately stratified lesions for risk of malignancy, and repeat FNA had high diagnostic yield in lesions with inadequate FNA. The results suggest no trend toward larger lesions harboring thyroid malignancy nor an increased likelihood of false-negative benign FNA.

Fine needle aspiration of the thyroid: a contemporary experience of 3981 cases

BACKGROUND

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is an essential tool for the management of thyroid nodules. Recently, several national organizations have recommended FNA of all thyroid nodules >1 cm. With the increase use of imaging in the practice of medicine over the last decade, the number of incidentally discovered thyroid nodules is rising. Therefore, we analyzed our experience to determine if these changes in practice led to alterations in the population of patients undergoing FNA at our institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected from 981 consecutive patients who underwent thyroid FNA at our institution between 2002 and 2009. Patients were divided in two groups: the early time period 2002-2005 (group 1) and later time period 2006-2009 (group 2). Data from the two groups were analyzed with t-test and χ(2) tests (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL).

RESULTS

Comparing the groups, the number of FNAs performed in the later time period increased significantly by 250%. Patients in the later time period (group 2) were more likely to be female and were significantly older. With regard to FNA diagnoses, the number of benign FNAs increased, while the percentage of FNAs diagnosed as malignant and as follicular neoplasm decreased. There also appears to be an increase in the incidence of thyroiditis.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of thyroid FNA has markedly increased during this contemporary series. This rise in thyroid FNA appears to be due to biopsy of benign thyroid nodules. With time, more females and older patients have undergone FNA, possibly reflecting the increased use of imaging studies in this patient population.

Inadequate cytology in thyroid nodules: should we repeat aspiration or follow-up?

BACKGROUND

To evaluate how to correctly manage thyroid nodules showing inadequate cytology after ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 393 thyroid nodules with inadequate cytology in 351 patients (M:F = 40:311, mean age: 49.3 years) with surgery or follow-up US-FNAB for at least 1 year were included in this study. Among them, 293 (74.6%) were benign and 100 (25.4%) were malignant on final reference results. Clinical characteristics and US features were reviewed and compared.

RESULTS

Malignancy rates (39.5%) of nodules having suspicious US feature were significantly higher than those (10.9%) of nodules without any suspicious US feature (P < .001). Malignancy rates of solid nodules, mainly solid nodules, and mainly cystic nodules were 29.2, 16.7, and 9.5%, respectively, with significant differences (P = .016). Malignancy rates of nodules assessed as suspicious malignant to probably benign in composition are: 39.1-12.8% (P < .001) in solid nodules, 42.1-9.2% (P = .001) in mainly solid nodules, and 50.0-5.3% (P = .04) in mainly cystic nodules.

CONCLUSIONS

In nodules with inadequate cytology, follow-up US can be considered over repeat aspiration if there are no suspicious US features present, especially in mainly cystic nodules.

Thyroid nodules; interpretation and importance of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for the clinician - practical considerations

Thyroid nodules are very common lesions. Despite that the great majority is benign, in a significant percentage of them there is an underlying malignancy. Malignant thyroid nodules should be managed surgically, while the more common benign thyroid nodules may be managed conservatively. A systemic and careful diagnostic evaluation is needed to recognize nodules (overtly malignant or with malignant potential), and to avoid unnecessary surgery in a large percentage of patients with benign disease. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has a central role in the diagnostic investigation of the patient with thyroid nodules. FNA is a safe, useful, and cost-effective procedure. To increase accuracy, FNA can be performed under ultrasonographic guidance (if needed). Its results may be particularly helpful in determining the indication for surgery. In contrast, the role of FNA in selecting the extent of surgery is limited today. This is due to the fact that during the last decade there is a clear trend toward radical surgical management of thyroid nodular disease (both benign and malignant) by total/near-total thyroidectomy.

Fine-needle aspiration of follicular patterned lesions of the thyroid: Diagnosis, management, and follow-up according to National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommendations

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) State of the Science Conference on thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) proposed that follicular patterned lesions can be divided into two diagnostic categories; follicular lesion of undetermined significance/Atypia of undetermined significance (FLUS/AUS) and suspicious for follicular neoplasm/follicular neoplasm (SFON/FON). The former group can benefit from repeat FNA (RFNA) to achieve a more definitive diagnosis and the latter should undergo surgical excision for histologic characterization (adenoma vs. carcinoma). In this study, we report the combined experience from our institutions with thyroid FNA cases that can be placed into NCI-designated thyroid FNA diagnostic categories for follicular patterned lesions.The case cohort comprised of 857 cases in 645 females and 212 males; 509 cases could be classified as FLUS/AUS and 348 as SFON/FON. Histologic follow-up was available in 273/509 (54%) cases diagnosed as FLUS/AUS and 251/348 (72%) cases diagnosed as SFON/FON.RFNA was performed in 203/509 (40%) patients classified as FLUS/AUS. RFNA diagnoses were: benign (125 cases), FLUS (46 cases), SFON/FON (20 cases), suspicious for papillary carcinoma (7 cases), papillary carcinoma (3 cases) and non-diagnostic (2 cases). The malignancy rate on surgical excision in the FLUS/AUS group was 27 and 15% with and without RFNA, respectively; and 25% in cases diagnosed as SFON/FON.RFNA is effective in managing thyroid nodules diagnosed as FLUS/AUS since the malignancy rates are different in cases with or without RFNA (27% vs. 15%). The malignancy rate (25%) in cases diagnosed as SFON/FON is similar to reported by other authors.

Efficacy of preoperative neck ultrasound in the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis from thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

This study was performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of surgeon-performed preoperative neck ultrasound (US) in the detection of both central and lateral cervical lymph node metastases from thyroid cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Data for all patients with thyroid cancers and follicular thyroid lesions who were evaluated by means of preoperative neck US were reviewed. The cervical lymph nodes were assessed for suspicion of metastasis based on US characteristics. The diagnostic accuracy of US was determined according to whether histologically confirmed cancer was present in surgical cervical lymph node specimens.

RESULTS

The sensitivity and specificity of US in predicting papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) metastasis in the central neck were 30.0% and 86.8%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of US in predicting metastasis in the lateral neck were 93.8% and 80.0%, respectively. A subset of patients underwent US followed by revision neck dissection for PTC, and the sensitivity and specificity of US in predicting metastasis in the lateral neck were 100% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative neck US is a valuable tool in assessing patients with thyroid cancers. The highly sensitive and specific nature of US in predicting cervical lymph node metastasis in the lateral neck, especially in the setting of recurrent disease, can provide reliable information to assist in surgical management. Although US for central compartment lymphadenopathy in the presence of the thyroid gland is less sensitive and specific than US for the lateral neck, it still provides useful information that can be obtained at the same time the primary thyroid pathology is assessed.

Differential expression of galectin-3, CK19, HBME1, and Ret oncoprotein in the diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms by fine needle aspiration biopsy

Background:

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a common and excellent procedure for the evaluation of thyroid lesions that require surgical resection. At times, the FNAB diagnosis can be difficult, particularly of follicular-patterned lesions. Previous studies have shown that some immunohistochemical (IHC) markers may be helpful in establishing more accurate diagnosis. In this study, our goal was to evaluate four of the recently investigated markers in differentiating benign from malignant thyroid nodules on FNABs.

Materials and Methods:

We performed IHC staining of galectin-3, Ret oncoprotein (Ret), HBME-1, and cytokeratin 19 (CK19), on cell block sections of thyroid FNAB cases that had corresponding surgical resections. They included 44 benign lesions (37 hyperplastic or cellular nodules, HN; and 7 follicular adenomas, FA) and 27 malignant tumors (6 follicular carcinoma, FC; 19 classic papillary carcinoma, PTC; and 2 follicular variant of papillary carcinoma, FVPC). The stains were done according to the standard avidin–biotin–peroxidase method.

Results:

Statistical analysis showed that immunoexpression was significantly higher in the malignant group for all four markers. The sensitivity for positive expression for all benign lesions versus malignant tumors was as follows: 10/44 (22.7%) versus 25/27 (92.6%) for galectin-3; 14/44 (31.8%) versus 23/27 (85%) for Ret; 12/44 (27.3%) versus 24/27 (88.8%) for HBME-1; and 13/44 (29.5%) versus 23/27 (85%) for CK19. The sensitivity and specificity was highest for galectin-3 (92.6% and 77.3%, respectively) followed by HMBE-1 (88.9% and 72.7%, respectively). When combining the markers' expressions, the panel of galectin-3 + HBME-1 showed the highest sensitivity and specificity (90.7% and 75%, respectively), but this was, however, lower than galectin-3 alone (92.3% and 77.3%, respectively).

Conclusion:

We conclude that galectin-3 is the best single marker in differentiating benign from malignant thyroid lesions with the highest sensitivity and specificity. The galectin-3 + HBME-1 was the best combination for distinguishing benign from malignant lesions. Because they were the best two independent and combined markers, we recommend the use of the galectin-3 + HBME-1 panel to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of follicular-patterned thyroid lesions on FNABs.

Clinical efficacy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules in males

BACKGROUND

It has recently been suggested that the use of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of thyroid nodules in male patients is associated with an unacceptably high false-negative rate in the detection of thyroid malignancy. We hypothesize that FNA biopsy is an accurate preoperative tool for detecting thyroid cancer in men, and that false negative rates are significantly lower than recently reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective database analysis was performed on all male patients who underwent thyroid surgery from May 1994 through January 2007 at a single institution. The results of preoperative FNA biopsies were compared with final surgical pathologic results. FNA biopsy results were reported as benign, malignant, inconclusive (i.e., follicular neoplasm), or nondiagnostic; final surgical pathology was reported as benign or malignant.

RESULTS

Of 1205 patients who underwent thyroidectomy, 273 (23%) were male. Preoperative FNA biopsy results were obtained in 60% of these male patients and were read as benign in 45/165 (27%) patients, malignant in 47/165 (28%) patients, inconclusive in 66/165 (40%) patients, and nondiagnostic in 7/165 (4%) patients. In male patients with cytology reported as benign, 3/45 (6.7%) FNAs were determined to be malignant on final pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study determined that FNA biopsy of thyroid nodules in male patients has an acceptably low false-negative rate of 6.7% and is, therefore, an accurate and useful diagnostic tool. We recommend preoperative FNA biopsy for all male patients presenting with thyroid nodules as a standard of practice.

Predictive value of sonographic features in preoperative evaluation of malignant thyroid nodules in a multinodular goiter

BACKGROUND

The primary goal of ultrasonography (US) in the evaluation of a thyroid nodule is to determine its malignancy, although the diagnosis of a malignant nodule on the basis of US alone is nearly impossible. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the predictive value of sonographic features in the preoperative diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules, and to determine the important features of sonography.

METHODS

This prospective study included 550 consecutive patients with , thyroid nodules. Nodules were divided into two groups on the basis of pathological diagnosis: group 1 consisted of 1,633 nodules with a benign pathology, and group 2 consisted of 293 nodules with a malignant pathology.

RESULTS

Microcalcifications, blurred nodular margins, and solid and hypoechoic appearance were more common in malignant nodules compared to benign nodules (89.1% versus 5%; 64.5% versus 4.7%; 81.6% versus 30.6% ; and 62.5% versus 43.1%, respectively; p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the detection of malignant thyroid nodules and microcalcification (rs = 0.791, p = 0.0001), blurred nodular margin (rs = 0.625, p = 0.0001), solid appearance (rs = 0.376, p = 0.0001), and hypoechoic appearance (rs = 0.141, p = 0.0001). Microcalcifications, blurred nodular margins, and solid and hypoechoic appearance were independent determinants of malignancy upon US examination of thyroid nodules (OR: 159, OR: 37, OR: 9.9, and OR: 2.2, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Although we did not identify a single feature indicative of malignancy in the sonographic examination of nodules, microcalcification and blurred margin were the strongest correlates for malignancy.

Diagnostic terminology and morphologic criteria for cytologic diagnosis of thyroid lesions: a synopsis of the National Cancer Institute Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration State of the Science Conference

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored the NCI Thyroid Fine-needle Aspiration (FNA) State of the Science Conference on October 22-23, 2007 in Bethesda, MD. The two-day meeting was accompanied by a permanent informational website and several on-line discussion periods between May 1 and December 15, 2007 (http://thyroidfna.cancer.gov). This document summarizes matters regarding diagnostic terminology/classification scheme for thyroid FNA interpretation and cytomorphologic criteria for the diagnosis of various benign and malignant thyroid lesions. (http://thyroidfna.cancer.gov/pages/info/agenda/).