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Bagıs M, Can N, Sut N, Tastekin E, Erdogan EG, Bulbul BY, Sezer YA, Kula O, Demirtas EM, Usta I. A Comprehensive Approach to the Thyroid Bethesda Category III (AUS) in the Transition Zone Between 2nd Edition and 3rd Edition of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology: Subcategorization, Nuclear Scoring, and More. Endocr Pathol 2024; 35:51-76. [PMID: 38280141 PMCID: PMC10944398 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-024-09797-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Significant interobserver variabilities exist for Bethesda category III: atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC). Thus, subcategorization of AUS including AUS "nuclear" and AUS "other" is proposed in the recent 3rd edition of TBSRTC. This study investigated the impact of the nuclear features/architectural features/nuclear score (NS) (3-tiered)/subcategories and subgroups on risk of malignancy (ROM) in thyroid fine-needle aspirations (FNA). 6940 FNAs were evaluated. 1224 (17.6%) cases diagnosed as AUS were reviewed, and 240 patients (initial FNAs of 260 nodules and 240 thyroidectomies) were included. Subcategories and subgroups were defined according to TBSRTC 2nd and 3rd editions. Histological diagnostic groups included nonneoplastic disease, benign neoplasm, low-risk neoplasm, and malignant neoplasm. Overall, ROM was 30.7%. ROM was significantly higher in FNAs with nuclear overlapping (35.5%), nuclear molding (56.9%), irregular contours (42.1%), nuclear grooves (74.1%), chromatin clearing (49.4%), and chromatin margination (57.7%), and these features were independent significant predictors for malignancy. FNAs with NS3 had significantly higher ROM (64.2%). Three-dimensional groups were significantly more frequent in malignant neoplasms (35.7%). ROM was significantly higher in AUS-nuclear subcategory (48.2%) and in AUS-nuclear and architectural subcategory (38.3%). The highest ROM was detected in AUS-nuclear1 subgroup (65.2%). ROM was significantly higher in the group including AUS-nuclear and AUS-nuclear and architectural subcategories, namely "high-risk group" than the group including other subcategories, namely "low-risk group" (42.0%vs 13.9%). In conclusion, subcategorization may not be the end point, and nuclear scoring and evaluation of architectural patterns according to strict criteria may provide data for remodeling of TBSRTC categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Bagıs
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Nuray Can
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey.
| | - Necdet Sut
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Ebru Tastekin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Genc Erdogan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Buket Yilmaz Bulbul
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Atakan Sezer
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Osman Kula
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Elif Mercan Demirtas
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Inci Usta
- Department of Pathology, Adiyaman University Training and Research Hospital, 02040, Adiyaman, Turkey
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Guzmán-Arocho YD, VanderLaan PA, Nishino M. Binary subclassification scheme (AUS-Nuclear versus AUS-Other) adequately risk-stratifies thyroid fine needle aspiration specimens classified as Atypia of Undetermined Significance. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2024; 13:23-32. [PMID: 37957061 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2023.10.001] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology previously described 4 subclasses of atypia within the Atypia of Undetermined Significance (AUS) category: nuclear (AUS-Nuc), architectural (AUS-A), oncocytic (AUS-Onc), and atypia not otherwise specified (AUS-NOS). Accumulating evidence supports a binary AUS subclassification scheme based primarily on the presence of nuclear atypia only. The purpose of this study is to compare the risk stratification of binary versus 4-tier AUS subclassification systems among AUS nodules with molecular and/or histologic follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thyroid aspirates classified as AUS and tested using Afirma (Veracyte, Inc.) between 6/2013 and 7/2021 were included. For resected nodules, histological classification was considered as the final outcome. For unresected nodules, benign Afirma results were considered low-risk outcomes, similar to histologically benign nodules. Suspicious or nondiagnostic Afirma results were considered indeterminate outcomes. The prevalence of outcomes warranting surgery (noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features [NIFTP] or cancer) was calculated for each AUS subclass. RESULTS A total of 559 AUS nodules with Afirma testing were identified. Excluding nodules with indeterminate molecular outcomes, NIFTP/cancer prevalence for AUS-Nuc was 21% (57/266), which was higher than that for AUS-A (6%, 11/188), AUS-Onc (8%, 4/53), and AUS-NOS (0%, 0/9). A binary AUS subclassification scheme based on nuclear atypia showed a significant difference in NIFTP/cancer prevalence (21% versus 6%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Binary reporting of AUS subclasses based on nuclear atypia distinguishes cases with a higher risk of NIFTP/cancer. There is a low but non-negligible prevalence of NIFTP/cancer in cases without nuclear atypia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaileen D Guzmán-Arocho
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Paul A VanderLaan
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michiya Nishino
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Jiragawasan C, Himakhun W. The risk of malignancy in the atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) category subgroups: a Thai institute experience. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2024; 13:16-22. [PMID: 37903698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2023.09.006] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study investigated the rate of reporting and the risk of malignancy (ROM) for atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) subgroups in a Thai population. AUS, which is category III of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, is a problematic diagnosis for thyroid nodule management because the risks of malignancy are diverse. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients who underwent thyroid fine needle aspirations between January 2015 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Gender, age, and nodule features were described, and all slides were re-evaluated and categorized into 2 subgroups: AUS-Nuclear (including cytology atypia and cytologic and architectural atypia) and AUS-Other (including architectural atypia, oncocytic atypia, and atypia not otherwise specified). The lower and upper limits of ROM were calculated for each subgroup. RESULTS Of total, 258 out of 2995 fine needle aspirations (8.6%) were diagnosed as AUS. The patients were predominantly female (88.9%), with a mean age of 54.1 years. The average nodule size was 2.5 cm. Of the 258 AUS patients, 81 (38.9%) had histological correlations. The ROM for the AUS category was 9.1% to 23.5%. The ROM of the AUS-Nuclear and AUS-Other were 11.1% to 27.3% and 2.2% to 6.7%, respectively. Features of pseudonuclear inclusions had the highest ROM (33.3%-42.9%), followed by pale chromatin (28.57%-47.06%). CONCLUSIONS Less than ten percent of our interpretations were AUS, which is acceptable in our practice. Cytological atypia harbored the highest ROM. Studies of associations between cytology and histology may aid in improving diagnostic criteria for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wanwisa Himakhun
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand.
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Antonia TD, Maria LI, Ancuta-Augustina GG. Preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules - Diagnosis and management strategies. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 246:154516. [PMID: 37196471 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, with increasing incidence over the past few decades. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is the gold standard for preoperative diagnosis of thyroid malignancies. Nevertheless, this method renders indeterminate results in up to 30% of the cases. Therefore, these patients are often referred to unnecessary surgery to establish the diagnosis. To improve the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis, several other ways, such as ultrasonography, elastography, immunohistochemical analysis, genetic testing, and core needle biopsy, have been developed and can be used either in association with or as an alternative to FNA. This review aims to evaluate all these diagnostic tools to determine the most appropriate way of managing thyroid nodules and subsequently improve the selection of cases referred to surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapoi Dana Antonia
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania; University Emergency Hospital, Department of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lambrescu Ioana Maria
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Bucharest, Romania; Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Gheorghisan-Galateanu Ancuta-Augustina
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Bucharest, Romania; CI Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
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Onken AM, VanderLaan PA, Hennessey JV, Hartzband P, Nishino M. Combined molecular and histologic end points inform cancer risk estimates for thyroid nodules classified as atypia of undetermined significance. Cancer Cytopathol 2021; 129:947-955. [PMID: 34314102 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid nodules classified as atypia of uncertain significance (AUS) on fine-needle aspiration cytology are heterogeneous. Prior studies reported a higher risk of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP)/cancer among AUS nodules that had cytologic (AUS-C) versus architectural (AUS-A) atypia; however, such studies were generally confined to resected cohorts, introducing bias into risk calculations. The authors hypothesized that combined histologic and molecular end points would permit clinically meaningful calculations of NIFTP/malignancy risk among AUS nodules. METHODS The study consisted of 279 thyroid nodules classified as AUS on initial fine-needle aspiration and tested by the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) between June 2013 and October 2017. Results of GEC testing and histopathologic diagnoses were stratified by AUS classifiers. The AUS-A category was further subclassified as 1) hypocellular microfollicular or 2) cellular with mixed but predominantly microfollicular architecture. NIFTP/cancer risk was calculated for each subgroup, with the inclusion of unresected nodules that had benign GEC results as low-risk end points comparable to histologically benign nodules. RESULTS When only histologic end points were considered, there was no difference in NIFTP/cancer risk (25% vs 23%; P = .82). By using molecular and histologic end points, AUS cases with cytologic atypia trended toward higher NIFTP/cancer risk than AUS-A cases (14% vs 6%; P = .06). Furthermore, AUS-A cases showed a trend toward lower NIFTP/cancer risk for hypocellular microfollicular aspirates (3%) compared with cellular samples that had mixed/predominantly microfollicular architecture (13%; P = .18). CONCLUSIONS The inclusion of unresected benign GEC nodules in risk-of-malignancy calculations provides more accurate results, which may be helpful for informing patient management as well as quality improvement in the cytopathology laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Onken
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Paul A VanderLaan
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James V Hennessey
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pamela Hartzband
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michiya Nishino
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Crescenzi A, Palermo A, Trimboli P. Cancer prevalence in the subcategories of the indeterminate class III (AUS/FLUS) of the Bethesda system for thyroid cytology: a meta-analysis. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:1343-1351. [PMID: 33590467 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01526-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The indeterminate cytologic report represents a major challenge in the field of thyroid nodule. The indeterminate class III of the Bethesda classification system (i.e., AUS/FLUS) includes a heterogeneous group of subcategories characterized by doubtful nuclear and/or architectural atypia. The study aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the rate of malignancy in each subcategory of Bethesda III. METHODS PubMed, CENTRAL, and Scopus databases were searched until April 2020. Original articles reporting data on the subcategories of Bethesda III were included. The histological diagnosis was the reference standard to classify true/false negative and true/false positive cases. RESULTS The pooled cancer prevalence in each subcategory of Bethesda III was estimated using a random-effects model. Twenty-three papers with 4241 nodules were included. Overall, 1163 (27.4%) were malignant. The cancer rate observed in the subcategories ranged from 15%, in "Hürthle cell aspirates with low risk pattern", to 44%, in "Focal cytologic atypia". CONCLUSIONS The overall cancer rate found in the Bethesda III ranged more largely than that originally estimated (10-30%) and varied among any scenarios. These evidence-based data represent a reference for the clinical management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Crescenzi
- Unit of Pathology, University Hospital Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - A Palermo
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - P Trimboli
- Clinic for Endocrinology and Diabetology, Lugano Regional Hospital, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland.
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Zhao H, Guo H, Zhao L, Cao J, Sun Y, Wang C, Zhang Z. Subclassification of the Bethesda Category III (AUS/FLUS): A study of thyroid FNA cytology based on ThinPrep slides from the National Cancer Center in China. Cancer Cytopathol 2021; 129:642-648. [PMID: 34139103 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The atypia of an undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) category in the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) is a heterogeneous category, which includes various cell patterns. The subclassification of AUS/FLUS was suggested in the 2017 TBSRTC. However, the risk of malignancy (ROM) associated with different subgroups remains unresolved. Herein, AUS/FLUS aspirates were subclassified, from which the ROM of each subgroup was determined. METHODS All cases undergoing fine-needle aspiration (FNA) from July 2013 to December 2018 were reviewed. Of 12,913 thyroid FNAs, 1053 (8.2%) were AUS/FLUS. The slides of 222 patients with AUS/FLUS with surgical follow-up were reviewed and subclassified according to the recommendations of the 2017 TBSRTC. There were 195 aspirates consistently diagnosed as AUS/FLUS and subclassified as cytologic atypia 1 (AUS-C1); cytologic atypia 2 (AUS-C2); architectural atypia (AUS-A); cytologic and architectural atypia (AUS-C&A); Hürthle cell aspirates (AUS-H); atypia, not otherwise specified (AUS-NOS); and atypical lymphoid cells, rule out lymphoma (AUS-L). RESULTS Malignancy was identified in 83.3% (185 of 222) of the AUS/FLUS nodules. The AUS-C1 group was the most common (62.1%), followed by the AUS-C&A (12.8%), AUS-C2 (10.8%), AUS-H (6.7%), AUS-NOS (5.6%), AUS-L (1.5%), and AUS-A (0.5%) groups. AUS-C1 had the highest ROM (92.6%) among the groups and varied significantly from that of the AUS-C&A (P = .171), AUS-C2 (P = .001), AUS-H (P = .001), and AUS-NOS (P < .001) groups. CONCLUSIONS As a heterogeneous category of TBSRTC, the ROM for AUS/FLUS varies greatly among medical centers. Subclassification of AUS/FLUS might be helpful in identifying nodules with a high ROM in this category and improving the management of such nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhao
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - HuiQin Guo
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - LinLin Zhao
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Cao
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - ZhiHui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Guleria P, Mani K, Agarwal S. Indian experience of AUS/FLUS diagnosis: is it different from rest of Asia and the West?-A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gland Surg 2020; 9:1797-1812. [PMID: 33224856 DOI: 10.21037/gs-20-392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) is the most heterogeneous subcategory of the Bethesda system for thyroid cytopathology with laid down permissible limits of frequency and risk of malignancy (ROM). Due to differences in thyroid clinical practice worldwide, variations have been found in frequency, resection rates (RR) and ROM. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis of AUS/FLUS across different regions was conducted and comparison of data from India was done with the rest of Asia and the West. Methods We searched PubMed and Google search engines from January 2009-Dec 2019 using terms "AUS Thyroid" and "FLUS Thyroid". Meta-analysis was performed using DerSimonian-Laird method and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random effects model. Independent samples t-test was used to compare frequency, RR, and ROM of AUS/FLUS between India, rest of Asia and the West. Results Out of 15,000 studies on internet, 60 (18 Indian, 12 Asian and 30 Western) were included. Total aspirates were 201,657; 14,279 Indian, 62,448 Asian, 124,930 Western. Pooled estimates were: frequency 7.3% (6.3-8.3%), RR 41.9% (37.4-46.6%), ROM 33.3% (26.8-39.9%). Pooled prevalence of rate did not vary significantly across the three regions. Pooled prevalence of RR was highest in India (52.9%) and lowest in rest of Asia (26.5%); of ROM was highest in Asia (45.9%), lowest in the West (26.3%) (P<0.01). Statistical analysis demonstrated publication bias, limited to Indian and Western studies. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common surgical diagnosis (87.9%; 1,082/1,231). Conclusions This meta-analysis showed differences in thyroid clinical practice followed in India, rest of Asia and the West. Although pooled prevalence of rate of AUS/FLUS was similar across the three, pooled RR and ROM varied. AUS/FLUS nodules were more frequently resected in Indian and Western studies than in rest of Asia. ROM was higher than recommended values in all three areas, being intermediate for India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna Guleria
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Molecular Medicine, Army Hospital Research and Referral, New Delhi, India
| | - Kalaivani Mani
- Department of Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shipra Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Nguyen TPX, Truong VT, Kakudo K, Vuong HG. The diversities in thyroid cytopathology practices among Asian countries using the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology. Gland Surg 2020; 9:1735-1746. [PMID: 33224851 DOI: 10.21037/gs-20-404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) has been adopted and widely used among Asian countries. This study aims to investigate the application of TBSRTC in thyroid cytology practice among Asian countries. Methods We searched electronic databases including PubMed and Web of Science from 2010 to 2019. Meta-analysis of proportion and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effect model. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used to search for heterogeneity origins. Results We included 42 Asian studies with 84.953 fine-needle aspirations. Among six categories, benign was the most commonly diagnosed category. The resection rate (RR) and risk of malignancy (ROM) were highest in malignant and SM categories, and lowest among benign nodules. Thyroid cytology practice in Asia was characterized by a low RR and high ROM in patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules. There was a significant amount of heterogeneities of TBSRTC outputs (frequency, resection rate, and malignancy risk) among Asian countries. Meta-regression showed that the sources of heterogeneity might stem from the differences in study origin and the application of molecular testing. We highlighted the usefulness of preoperative molecular testing to select patients for surgery. Conclusions Our study provided insight regarding thyroid cytology practice among Asian countries. Active surveillance is commonly used in Asian practice resulting in a low RR and high ROM for indeterminate nodules. There are still variations in general thyroid cytology practice in Asia. Future guidelines and consensus regarding the application of TBSRTC in thyroid cytology practice among Asian countries are required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vien Thanh Truong
- Department of Cardiology, The Christ Hospital Health Network, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kennichi Kakudo
- Department of Pathology and Thyroid Disease Center, Izumi City General Hospital, Izumi-city, Japan
| | - Huy Gia Vuong
- Department of Pathology, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Guleria P, Agarwal S, Iyer VK, Jain D, Mathur SR, Yadav D. Subcategorisation of AUS/FLUS thyroid lesions as per the 2017 Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology: a retrospective study from a tertiary care centre analysing risk of malignancy (ROM) of the different subcategories. J Clin Pathol 2019; 72:771-777. [DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2019-205985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
AimsThe 2017 Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) recommends subclassification of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS)/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS) into six subcategories. The present study evaluates the risk of malignancy (ROM) and risk of neoplasm (RON) among these.MethodsAll thyroid aspirates reported as AUS/FLUS over a 4.5-year period, with available histology, were reviewed and subclassified as per TBSRTC. ROM and RON were calculated and compared.ResultsOf 2554 thyroid aspirates, 281 (11.0%) were AUS/FLUS. Eighty-one with available histology were evaluated. ROM was 51.8%. Cytologic and architectural atypia (AUS-C&A) was the most prevalent (62.9%), followed by Hürthle cell type (19.6%), AUS-A (11.1%), AUS-not otherwise specified (NOS) (7.4%), cytologic atypia (AUS-C) (4.9%) and atypical lymphoid cells (1.2%). Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and adenomatous goitre (AG) were the most common histological diagnoses (27% each). On histology, AUS-C had 2/4 PTC and 2/4 AG on histology. AUS-A had 4/9 follicular neoplasm (FN) and 2/9 non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) while AUS C&A had 18/51 PTC, 13/51 AG, 11/51 NIFTP and 5/51 FN. ROM and RON were similar across subcategories, ROM was the highest for AUS-C&A (58.8%), AUS-C (50%) and AUS-NOS (50%). NIFTP reclassification as non-malignant reduced ROM to 35.8% (absolute reduction of 16% and a relative decrease of 31%) with the greatest relative decrease seen in AUS-A (50%), followed by AUS-C&A (37%), and none in others.ConclusionsAUS/FLUS subcategorisation helped to indicate risk for the more likely neoplasm, whether PTC or FN. ROM was the highest for cases with cytological atypia but did not differ significantly across different subcategories. NIFTP changed the ROM of AUS-A and AUS-C&A, since both NIFTP and FN have microfollicles.
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