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Harris M, Zloczower E, Pinhas S, Allon R, Zornitzki T, Malka L, Cohen Y, Lahav Y, Cohen O. Consistency in the Distribution of Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology Categories Over 9 Years: A Single Institute, Retrospective Study. Endocr Pract 2024; 30:546-550. [PMID: 38570016 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2024.03.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC) has evolved since it was first introduced in 2009 to become a worldwide accepted cytologic analysis reference, due to its simplicity and reproducibility. To date, the consistency of BSRTC throughout time has yet to be investigated. METHODS Retrospective single institution case series with chart review of all patients who underwent fine-needle aspirations for a thyroid nodule in our institution between the years 2010 and 2018 with a documented BSRTC classification. Data collection included demographics, risk factors, sonographic evaluation, nodule size, and final pathology when feasible. The main outcome is the difference in the rates of BSRTC categories benign, atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), follicular neoplasm, suspicious for malignancy, and malignant (BSRTC II-VI, respectively) between the study years. RESULTS A total of 2830 thyroid nodules were included. BSRTC II-VI distribution was 83.9% (2373), 8.2%, (232), 2.7% (75), 3.3% (93), and 2.0% (57), respectively. There was no significant change in the overall trend of each BSRTC category distribution throughout the study. There was a significant increase in the benign cytology rate (BSRTC II) in 2011 compared to 2015 and 2018 (76.4% compared to 88.7% and 87.6%, respectively. P < .005) alongside a significant decline in the AUS category rate (BSRTC III) between the same years (13.0% compared to 4.8% and 5.5%, respectively. P < .005). CONCLUSION BSRTC showed consistency throughout the study across all observed categories. An overlap between AUS and benign may exist, possibly due to the heterogenic definition of AUS as reflected in the 2023 BSRTC subclassification for AUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Harris
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel; Medical School for International Health, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Elchanan Zloczower
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sapir Pinhas
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Raviv Allon
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Taiba Zornitzki
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease Institute, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Liron Malka
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yonatan Cohen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yonatan Lahav
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oded Cohen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ashdod, Israel.
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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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Loberg MA, Tigue ML, Gallant JN, Wang H, Canberk S, Weiss VL. Evolving approaches in paediatric thyroid cytopathology: A review. Cytopathology 2024; 35:60-69. [PMID: 37759375 PMCID: PMC11027193 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The guidelines for the workup of thyroid nodules have been established in adult populations and secondarily applied to paediatric populations. In particular, The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) is commonly applied to both adult and paediatric thyroid nodules. However, as paediatric nodules have distinct molecular drivers and behavioural trajectories, there is renewed interest in diagnostic and management strategies that are paediatric specific. Here, we review key differences between paediatric and adult thyroid cancer and recent literature evaluating the use of TBSRTC in paediatric populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Loberg
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Megan L Tigue
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jean-Nicolas Gallant
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Huiying Wang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sule Canberk
- i3S/ Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vivian L Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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4
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Ali SZ, Baloch ZW, Cochand-Priollet B, Schmitt FC, Vielh P, VanderLaan PA. The 2023 Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Thyroid 2023; 33:1039-1044. [PMID: 37427847 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Since the publication of the first edition in 2010, The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology has allowed cytopathologists to use a standardized, category-based reporting system for thyroid fine needle aspirations. The third edition builds on the success of the 2 earlier editions and offers several key updates. The most important is the assignment of a single name for each of the 6 diagnostic categories: (i) nondiagnostic; (ii) benign; (iii) atypia of undetermined significance; (iv) follicular neoplasm; (v) suspicious for malignancy; and (vi) malignant. Each of the categories has an implied risk of malignancy (ROM), which has been updated and refined based on data reported after the second edition. The third edition offers an average ROM for each category, in addition to the expected range of cancer risk. The atypia of undetermined significance subcategorization is simplified into 2 subgroups based on the implied ROM and molecular profiling. A discussion of pediatric thyroid disease has been added, and pediatric ROMs and management algorithms are discussed in the relevant sections. Nomenclature has been updated to align with the 2022 World Health Organization Classification of Thyroid Neoplasms. Two new chapters have been added: one that addresses the significant and expanded use of molecular and ancillary testing in thyroid cytopathology, and another that summarizes clinical perspectives and imaging findings in thyroid disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Z Ali
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zubair W Baloch
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Fernando C Schmitt
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty of Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Philippe Vielh
- Department of Pathology, Medipath and the American Hospital of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Paul A VanderLaan
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Ali SZ, Baloch ZW, Cochand-Priollet B, Schmitt FC, Vielh P, VanderLaan PA. The 2023 Bethesda System for reporting thyroid cytopathology. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2023; 12:319-325. [PMID: 37438235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Since the publication of the first edition in 2010, The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology has allowed cytopathologists to use a standardized, category-based reporting system for thyroid fine needle aspirations. The third edition builds on the success of the 2 earlier editions and offers several key updates. The most important is the assignment of a single name for each of the 6 diagnostic categories: (i) nondiagnostic; (ii) benign; (iii) atypia of undetermined significance; (iv) follicular neoplasm; (v) suspicious for malignancy; and (vi) malignant. Each of the categories has an implied risk of malignancy (ROM), which has been updated and refined based on data reported after the second edition. The third edition offers an average ROM for each category, in addition to the expected range of cancer risk. The atypia of undetermined significance subcategorization is simplified into 2 subgroups based on the implied ROM and molecular profiling. A discussion of pediatric thyroid disease has been added, and pediatric ROMs and management algorithms are discussed in the relevant sections. Nomenclature has been updated to align with the 2022 World Health Organization Classification of Thyroid Neoplasms. Two new chapters have been added: one that addresses the significant and expanded use of molecular and ancillary testing in thyroid cytopathology, and another that summarizes clinical perspectives and imaging findings in thyroid disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Z Ali
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Zubair W Baloch
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Fernando C Schmitt
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty of Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Philippe Vielh
- Department of Pathology, Medipath and the American Hospital of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Paul A VanderLaan
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Velez Torres JM, Tjendra Y, Kerr DA. A Triumvirate:: Correlating Thyroid Cytopathology, Molecular Testing, and Histopathology. Surg Pathol Clin 2023; 16:1-14. [PMID: 36739157 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Risk stratification is essential in the preoperative evaluation and management of thyroid nodules, most of which are benign. Advances in DNA and RNA sequencing have shed light on the molecular drivers of thyroid cancer. Molecular testing of cytologically indeterminate nodules has helped refine risk stratification, triage patients for surgery, and determine the extent of surgery. Molecular platforms with high negative predictive values can help identify nodules that may be spared surgery and can be managed conservatively. Here we discuss the importance of integrating cytomorphologic, molecular, and histologic features to help avoid errors and improve patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaylou M Velez Torres
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1400 NW 12(th) Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA. https://twitter.com/JaylouVelez
| | - Youley Tjendra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1400 NW 12(th) Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA. https://twitter.com/Y_Tjendra
| | - Darcy A Kerr
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
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Mashat A, Hilzenrat R, Masoudi H, Walker B, Wiseman SM. The influence of papillary features on the risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules diagnosed as atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance. Am J Surg 2023; 225:857-860. [PMID: 36872125 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to the assess the risk of malignancy in thyroid lesions that were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS when using a novel cytology subclassification system that is based on the presence or absence of papillary features. METHODS AUS/FLUS case cytology was re-reviewed and subclassified into minor or major concern groups based upon the absence or presence of papillary features, respectively. The risk of malignancy (ROM) was calculated and compared between the two groups. Inter-pathologist agreement in case subclassification was also measured. RESULTS The minor concern group had a 12.6% associated ROM, while the major concern group had a significantly higher ROM (58.4%), (P < 0.001). Based on 108 cases, the inter-pathologist agreement in case subclassification was 79%, and the κ value was 0.47. CONCLUSIONS The identification of papillary features significantly increases the ROM in thyroid lesions with an AUS/FLUS diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Mashat
- Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Roy Hilzenrat
- Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hamid Masoudi
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Blair Walker
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sam M Wiseman
- Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Jin X, Lew M, Pantanowitz L, Smola B, Jing X. Performance of Afirma genomic sequencing classifier and histopathological outcome are associated with patterns of atypia in Bethesda category III thyroid nodules. Cancer Cytopathol 2022; 130:891-898. [PMID: 35789120 PMCID: PMC9796557 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on Afirma's genomic sequencing classifier (GSC) performance in atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) subcategories is limited. This study investigated GSC performance in AUS nodules with architectural atypia (AUS-A), cytological atypia (AUS-C), architectural and cytological atypia (AUS-AC), and predominantly Hürthle cells (AUS-HC). METHODS This study retrieved consecutive thyroid nodules having a recurrent cytologic diagnosis of AUS with qualifiers and a concurrent GSC diagnostic result. All nodules were followed by either surgical intervention or clinical and/or ultrasound monitoring (≥6 months). GSC benign call rate (BCR), rate of histology-proven malignancy, and diagnostic parameters of GSC were calculated for individual AUS subcategories. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS A total of 135 AUS nodules fulfilled inclusion criteria, including 79 AUS-A, 9 AUS-C, 29 AUS-AC, and 18 AUS-HC. BCR was 72.2%, 66.7%, 44.8%, and 77.8% in AUS-A, AUS-C, AUS-AC, and AUS-HC, respectively. AUS-A showed a greater BCR than AUS-AC (p < .05). All GSC-benign nodules were considered benign on clinical or surgical follow-up. Among GSC-suspicious nodules, histology-proven malignancies represented 4.5% of AUS-A, 0% of AUS-C, 56.3% of AUS-AC, and 25.0% of AUS-HC cases. AUS-AC demonstrated a higher malignant rate compared with AUS-A (p < .05). GSC offers 100% NPV and a wide range (5%-56%) of PPV across all AUS subcategories. AUS-AC demonstrated a greater PPV compared with AUS-A (p < .05). CONCLUSION BCR of GSC and malignant rates associated with suspicious GSC may differ in various AUS subcategories. GSC-suspicious nodules with both architectural and cytologic atypia are more likely to be malignant. These findings may improve clinical triage and/or management of patients with AUS thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Jin
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Michigan‐Michigan MedicineAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Madelyn Lew
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Michigan‐Michigan MedicineAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Michigan‐Michigan MedicineAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Brian Smola
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Michigan‐Michigan MedicineAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Xin Jing
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Michigan‐Michigan MedicineAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Gajzer DC, Tjendra Y, Kerr DA, Algashaamy K, Zuo Y, Menendez SG, Jorda M, Garcia-Buitrago M, Gomez-Fernandez C, Velez Torres JM. Probability of malignancy as determined by ThyroSeq v3 genomic classifier varies according to the subtype of atypia. Cancer Cytopathol 2022; 130:881-890. [PMID: 35775861 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ThyroSeq assesses the probability of malignancy (POM) in thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology specimens diagnosed as atypia of undetermined significance (AUS). The authors investigated whether defined AUS subcategories are associated with specific molecular alterations, the molecular-derived risk of malignancy (MDROM), and the risk of malignancy (ROM). METHODS Fine-needle aspiration cytology reports of AUS and corresponding results from the ThyroSeq version 3 genomic classifier results were retrieved and subcategorized as follicular cells with either cytologic atypia (FC-C), architectural atypia (FC-A), both cytologic and architectural atypia (FC-CA), or a predominance of Hurthle cells (PHC). The MDROM, ROM, and frequency of molecular alterations by subcategory were computed and analyzed, and p < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS The final analysis included 541 cases subdivided into 233 with FC-A, 104 with FC-C, 116 with FC-CA, and 88 with PHC. The benign call rate and positive call rate for the AUS category were 72% and 28%, respectively, which varied between AUS subcategories. The MDROM by subcategory was 15.9% FC-A, 20.5% FC-C, 33.8% FC-CA, and 14.4% PHC. Histologic follow-up was available for 155 (28%) AUS cases with a follow-up period ≥12 months. The 95% confidence intervals of the MDROMs overlapped with the ROMs. The highest MDROM and ROM were in the FC-CA subcategory. RAS mutations were present in all subcategories. BRAF V600E mutations and papillary thyroid carcinoma were most frequent in the FC-CA subcategory. Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features was significantly more frequent in the FC-C subcategory. CONCLUSIONS The current results demonstrated that AUS subcategories are associated with specific genetic alterations, the MDROM, and the ROM. Molecular results and an awareness of various cancer probabilities within AUS subcategories can allow for a more tailored management.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Gajzer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Youley Tjendra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Darcy A Kerr
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Khaled Algashaamy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Yiqin Zuo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Silvia Gra Menendez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Merce Jorda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Monica Garcia-Buitrago
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Carmen Gomez-Fernandez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jaylou M Velez Torres
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Kim J, Shin JH, Oh YL, Hahn SY, Park KW. Approach to Bethesda system category III thyroid nodules according to US-risk stratification. Endocr J 2022; 69:67-74. [PMID: 34408101 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej21-0300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated how to manage Bethesda category III (Bethesda III) (atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance [AUS/FLUS]) thyroid nodules according to the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (K-TIRADS) to reduce unnecessary surgeries. A total of 161 thyroid nodules diagnosed as Bethesda III underwent surgery from 2016 to 2019. Ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) or core needle biopsy (CNB) was used for repeat examination. K-TIRADS category was assigned to the thyroid nodules. The proportion of malignancy in Bethesda III nodules confirmed by surgery were significantly increased in proportion relative to K-TIRADS with 60.0% low suspicion, 88.2% intermediate suspicion, and 100% high suspicion nodules (p < 0.001). The proportion of malignancy in AUS and FLUS were significantly different (94.2% vs. 40.0% p = 0.003). The proportion of malignancy in AUS increased with K-TIRADS categories, but there was no difference in FLUS. All K-TIRADS high suspicion nodules were AUS as papillary carcinomas (99%), while 80% of FLUS nodules and 50% of follicular carcinomas showed K-TIRADS low suspicion. In 116 nodules with repeat FNA or CNB after initial Bethesda III results, the conclusive result rate was significantly increased in proportion to K-TIRADS with 58.3% low suspicion, 83.3% intermediate suspicion, and 88.8% high suspicion nodules (p = 0.015). K-TIRADS low suspicion nodules of Bethesda III nodules should be managed after risk-benefit consideration rather than immediate surgery or repeat examination. K-TIRADS for Bethesda III nodules can predict papillary carcinoma well, but not follicular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Kim
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiology, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hee Shin
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Lyun Oh
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Yeon Hahn
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ko Woon Park
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Gokozan HN, Dilcher TL, Alperstein SA, Qiu Y, Mostyka M, Scognamiglio T, Solomon JP, Song W, Rennert H, Beg S, Stern E, Goyal A, Siddiqui MT, Heymann JJ. Combining molecular testing and the Bethesda category III:VI ratio for thyroid fine‐needle aspirates: A quality‐assurance metric for evaluating diagnostic performance in a cytopathology laboratory. Cancer Cytopathol 2021; 130:259-274. [DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hamza N. Gokozan
- Division of Cytopathology New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
- Division of Head and Neck Pathology New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Thomas L. Dilcher
- Division of Cytopathology New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Susan A. Alperstein
- Division of Cytopathology New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Yuqing Qiu
- Department of Population Health Sciences New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Maria Mostyka
- Division of Head and Neck Pathology New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Theresa Scognamiglio
- Division of Head and Neck Pathology New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - James P. Solomon
- Clinical Genomics Laboratory Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Wei Song
- Clinical Genomics Laboratory Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Hanna Rennert
- Division of Molecular and Genomic Pathology New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Shaham Beg
- Division of Cytopathology New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Evan Stern
- Division of Cytopathology New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Abha Goyal
- Division of Cytopathology New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Momin T. Siddiqui
- Division of Cytopathology New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Jonas J. Heymann
- Division of Cytopathology New York‐Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
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12
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Hathi K, Rahmeh T, Munro V, Northrup V, Sherazi A, Chin CJ. Rate of malignancy for thyroid nodules with AUS/FLUS cytopathology in a tertiary care center - a retrospective cohort study. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 50:58. [PMID: 34635177 PMCID: PMC8504068 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-021-00530-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid nodules are stratified through fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and are often categorized using The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, which estimates the risk of malignancy for six cytopathological categories. The atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) and follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS) categories have varying malignancy rates reported in the literature which can range from 6 to 72.9%. Due to this heterogeneity, we assessed the malignancy rate and effectiveness of repeat FNA (rFNA) for AUS/FLUS thyroid cytopathology at our institution. METHODS Electronic health records of patients with AUS/FLUS thyroid cytopathology on FNA at our center since the implementation of the Bethesda System on May 1, 2014-December 31, 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, treatment pathway, and pathology results were collected. The treatment pathway of the nodules, the rFNA results, and the malignant histopathology results were reported. Malignancy rates were calculated as an upper and lower limit estimate. RESULTS This study described 182 AUS/FLUS thyroid nodules from 177 patients. In total, 24 thyroid nodules were deemed malignant upon histopathology, yielding a final malignancy rate of 13.2-25.3%. All of the malignancies were variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma. The malignancy rate of the nodules which underwent resection without rFNA (21.5%) was lower than the malignancy rate of the nodules which underwent resection after rFNA (43.8%). 45.5% of the rFNA results were re-classified into more definitive categories. CONCLUSION The malignancy rate of AUS/FLUS thyroid cytopathology at our center is in line with the risk of malignancy stated by the 2017 Bethesda System. However, our malignancy rate is lower than some other Canadian centers and approximately half of our rFNAs were re-classified, highlighting the importance of establishing center-specific malignancy and rFNA re-classification rates to guide treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpesh Hathi
- Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, 711 Millidge Avenue, Suite A, Saint John, NB, E2K 2N7, Canada
| | - Tarek Rahmeh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Horizon Health Network, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Vicki Munro
- Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, 711 Millidge Avenue, Suite A, Saint John, NB, E2K 2N7, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Horizon Health Network, Division of Endocrinology, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Victoria Northrup
- Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, 711 Millidge Avenue, Suite A, Saint John, NB, E2K 2N7, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Horizon Health Network, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Ali Sherazi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Horizon Health Network, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Christopher J Chin
- Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, 711 Millidge Avenue, Suite A, Saint John, NB, E2K 2N7, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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13
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Abstract
The Italian SIAPEC-AIT 2014 classification, the 2017 Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (TBSRTC), the 2016 UK Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) thyroid reporting system, and the 2019 Japanese reporting system for thyroid aspiration cytology (JRSTAC2019) represent the most widely used reporting systems among clinicians and pathologists for the purpose of cytologically diagnosing, estimating the potential risk of malignancy (ROM), and defining the most appropriate treatment for a patient with a thyroid nodule. Although all the systems use overlapping diagnostic categories and morphologic criteria, they differ on the basis of the criteria for inclusion in the cytologic categories, which may, in turn, affect the ROM of a given category and the clinical management of the patient, particularly with regard to the “indeterminate” categories. The aim of this review is to analyze the main differences that emerge between the systems and to propose possible solutions for a comprehensive reporting system that integrates and harmonizes all the criteria of the Italian classification and the Bethesda system, also taking into account the impact that the new tumor entity NIFTP (non-invasive follicular tumor with papillary-like nuclear features) that has, in many instances, replaced the non-invasive form of the follicular variant of papillary carcinoma, has had on the modification of malignancy risks.
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14
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Kim TH, Krane JF. The evolution of "atypia" in thyroid fine-needle aspiration specimens. Diagn Cytopathol 2021; 50:146-153. [PMID: 34432388 DOI: 10.1002/dc.24859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) provided a standardized framework for resulting thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens and introduced the low-risk category of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS). This indeterminate category has significantly evolved over time with the incorporation of molecular testing, reclassification of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), and a shift toward more conservative management. Despite these refinements, AUS/FLUS remains a challenge, at both the diagnostic and therapeutic level. We review the criteria for AUS/FLUS and the associated controversies in rendering this diagnosis, while highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing atypical thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa H Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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15
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Glass RE, Levy JJ, Motanagh SA, Vaickus LJ, Liu X. Atypia of undetermined significance in thyroid cytology: Nuclear atypia and architectural atypia are associated with different molecular alterations and risks of malignancy. Cancer Cytopathol 2021; 129:966-972. [PMID: 34399035 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22495] [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: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology contains an atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) category with heterogeneous and distinct inclusion criteria. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in malignancy rates and molecular alterations based on the presence of different criteria. METHODS A laboratory information search was conducted to identify thyroid fine-needle aspiration specimens signed out as AUS. The cases were reclassified as architectural atypia (3A), cytologic atypia (3C), both architectural and cytologic atypia (3B), or Hürthle cell aspirate (3H). Surgical follow-up and concurrent molecular test results, if available, were collected. RESULTS Five hundred ten specimens, including 258 reclassified as 3A, 40 reclassified as 3B, 119 reclassified as 3C, and 86 reclassified as 3H, were identified. The risks of malignancy for the subcategories were 13.4%, 26.3%, 44.1%, and 13.8%, respectively. Additionally, BRAF V600E mutations were more prevalent in specimens with cytologic atypia (3B/3C), whereas low-risk alterations, including KRAS, PTEN, and PAX8-PPARy2, were more prevalent in those with architectural atypia (3A). CONCLUSIONS Subdividing AUS specimens on the basis of the type of atypia can yield categories associated with distinct molecular alterations and risks of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E Glass
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Joshua J Levy
- Department of Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Samaneh A Motanagh
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Louis J Vaickus
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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16
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Wong KS, Angell TE, Barletta JA, Krane JF. Hürthle cell lesions of the thyroid: Progress made and challenges remaining. Cancer Cytopathol 2020; 129:347-362. [PMID: 33108684 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hürthle cell-predominant thyroid fine needle aspirations (FNA) are encountered frequently in routine practice, yet they are often challenging to diagnose accurately and are associated with significant interobserver variability. This is largely due to the ubiquity of Hürthle cells in thyroid pathology, ranging from nonneoplastic conditions to aggressive malignancies. Although limitations in cytomorphologic diagnoses likely will remain for the foreseeable future, our knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of Hürthle cell neoplasia and application of molecular testing to cytologic material have increased dramatically within the past decade. This review provides context behind the challenges in diagnosis of Hürthle cell lesions and summarizes the more recent advances in diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine S Wong
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Trevor E Angell
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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17
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Ooi LY, Nga ME. Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance: Asian vs. non-Asian practice, and the Singapore experience. Gland Surg 2020; 9:1764-1787. [PMID: 33224854 DOI: 10.21037/gs-20-555] [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: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology has paved the way for comparisons of the practice of thyroid cytology in many different regions. However, there have been comparatively few studies documenting differences between Asian and non-Asian practice. Here, we aim to compare a few key parameters between the two regions, focusing on the indeterminate category of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS)/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS). We compared its incidence, resection rates (RRs), risk of malignancy (ROM), rate of repeat fine needle aspiration (rFNA), ROMs of cytomorphologic subcategories of nuclear atypia (AUS-N) vs. architectural atypia (AUS-A), and, finally, the incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) vs. follicular neoplasms (FNs) in resected AUS/FLUS cases in Asian and non-Asian regions. Where possible, these metrics were compared with the Singapore experience from a tertiary referral institution. While the incidence of AUS/FLUS was similar in both regions, we found geographical differences in the RRs and ROMs, which may reflect a higher collective threshold for surgery in Asian countries. However, both cohorts showed higher ROMs in the AUS-N subcategory as compared to the AUS-A subcategory, supporting the subclassification of the AUS/FLUS based on the presence of nuclear atypia. We also observed a higher incidence of AUS-N coupled with a higher incidence of PTC in resected AUS/FLUS nodules in Asian cohorts, while AUS-A and follicular-patterned neoplasms featured more prominently in the non-Asian cohorts. These incidences may account for the starkly different molecular approaches that we noted-in Asian (chiefly Korean and Chinese) centers, BRAF mutational analysis was favored, while gene panels and gene expression classifiers were more frequently applied in non-Asian centers (chiefly in the United States of America). Overall, the data from Singapore appears more closely aligned to non-Asian trends, despite its geographical location in Southeast Asia and its predominantly Asian population. We conclude that there is significant heterogeneity in the outcomes of the AUS/FLUS categories between and within regions, which is only partially explained by regional variations, and may also reflect different regional diagnostic and management practices. This highlights the importance of understanding the local context in the interpretation of indeterminate Bethesda categories, rather than adopting a "one-size fits all" approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yin Ooi
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Min En Nga
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, Singapore
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18
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Kroll-Wheeler L, Cantley R, Pang JC, Soles BS, Smola B, Jing X, Lew M. An institutional experience: A retrospective analysis of the effect of transitioning from follicular lesion of undetermined significance to atypia of undetermined significance with subclassified atypia on interobserver concordance, rates of neoplasia, and rates of malignancy. Diagn Cytopathol 2020; 49:31-38. [PMID: 32936526 DOI: 10.1002/dc.24611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rate of malignancy (ROM) in thyroid fine needle aspirations (FNA) classified under "atypia of undetermined significance (AUS)/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS), including Hürthle cell type (HLUS)" category of The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (TBSRTC) in literature is highly variable. The 2018 TBSRTC was updated to note a preferred categorization of AUS cases into subcategories. This study evaluates the impact of AUS subclassification on rates of neoplasia (RON), rates of malignancy (ROM), and cytopathologist (CP) concordance. METHODS 93 thyroid FNAs previously diagnosed as FLUS or HLUS from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014 with subsequent surgical resection were identified. Four CPs reclassified these cases using TBSRTC AUS subcategories of follicular cells with architectural and/or cytologic atypia, predominantly Hürthle cells, and atypical lymphocytes. RON and ROM were calculated for each diagnostic subcategory for each CP. RESULTS The original RON and ROM for FLUS cases were 31.4% and 15.1% and were 77.8% and 22.2% for HLUS cases. 10.8% of cases showed diagnostic concordance amongst the four CPs. The most frequently utilized subcategory was architectural atypia. RON ranges for architectural atypia, cytologic atypia, architectural and cytologic atypia, and predominantly Hürthle cells were 28.1% to 35.7%, 0% to 33.3%, 35.3% to 66.7%, and 57.1% to 87.5%. The range of ROM was 13.9% to 16.7%, 0% to 33%, 0% to 42.9%, and 0% to 25%, respectively. CONCLUSION RON for AUS predominantly Hürthle cells subcategory was higher than previously reported, which may indicate use for tailored patient management pathways. AUS subclassification can result in significant interobserver variability. Therefore, institutions may consider consensus/quality control sessions to optimize diagnostic concordance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Kroll-Wheeler
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Richard Cantley
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Judy C Pang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Brian S Soles
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Brian Smola
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Xin Jing
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Madelyn Lew
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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19
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Are Bethesda III Thyroid Nodules More Aggressive than Bethesda IV Thyroid Nodules When Found to Be Malignant? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092563. [PMID: 32916807 PMCID: PMC7564274 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bethesda classification system for thyroid fine needle aspirate (FNA) is used to predict the risk of malignancy and to guide the management of thyroid nodules. We postulated that thyroid malignancies characterized as Bethesda III on FNA have more aggressive features than those classified as Bethesda IV. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify those who underwent thyroid surgery at a single tertiary hospital setting between 2015 and 2020. Associations between Bethesda category, molecular genetic test results, and histopathologic findings were examined. Out of 628 surgeries that were performed, 199 (54.2%) Bethesda III nodules and 216 (82.8%) Bethesda IV nodules were malignant. Of those that were malignant, 37 (18.6%) and 22 (10.2%) Bethesda III and Bethesda IV nodules showed aggressive features, respectively (p value = 0.014). There was a proportionally increased number of aggressive features in extra-thyroidal extension, lymph nodes metastasis, and all aggressive subtypes of papillary thyroid cancer in the Bethesda III category. Although Bethesda IV nodules are much more likely to be malignant (p value = 0.002), our study suggests that Bethesda III nodules that are resected are more likely to have aggressive features than Bethesda IV nodules, with a statistically significant increase in the solid variant of papillary thyroid cancer and lymph node metastasis.
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20
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Abstract
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is among the first diagnostic tools used in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. It has the ability to triage patients with benign and malignant lesions, thus defining the optimum clinical and/or surgical management. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology has found worldwide acceptance. Thyroid FNA offers high positive predictive value (97%-99%), with sensitivities and specificities of 65% to 99% and 72% to 100%, respectively. Nonetheless, many potential diagnostic pitfalls exist that can lead to false-positive and/or false-negative results. This article discusses several of the potential pitfalls in the cytologic evaluation of thyroid lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Diana Rossi
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, A. Gemelli Square, 1, Rome 20123, Italy
| | - Adebowale J Adeniran
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - William C Faquin
- Department of Pathology, WRN 219, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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21
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Deftereos G, Schmechel SC, Waner EE, Itani M, Dighe MK, Tylee TS. Differential outcomes of patients with thyroid FNA diagnoses of AUS/FLUS with and without nuclear atypia: The potential need for separation in the Bethesda System. Diagn Cytopathol 2020; 48:610-617. [PMID: 32259404 DOI: 10.1002/dc.24424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the current version of The Bethesda System (TBS) for thyroid cytopathology, the atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) category has an estimated risk of malignancy of 10% to 30%. Diagnostic criteria include presence of nuclear atypia, suggestive of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), as well as other types of atypia, which can be seen with non-malignant entities. Aim of this study was to investigate differential outcomes of AUS/FLUS, based on specific morphologic criteria, and assess their respective malignancy risks. METHODS From a total of 1233 patients undergoing thyroid FNAs between 2010 and 2014 at the University of Washington, 119 had AUS/FLUS without nuclear atypia, and 64 with nuclear atypia. Outcomes for patients with and without nuclear atypia (with the exception of 24 patients lost to follow-up) were evaluated and results were compared. RESULTS 16/57 (28.1%) patients with AUS/FLUS and nuclear atypia subsequently had carcinomas on thyroidectomy, statistically higher than the 8/102 patients (7.8%, P = .001) without nuclear atypia. When comparing only patients who underwent surgery (n = 63), again those with AUS/FLUS and nuclear atypia had statistically higher rates of carcinoma (16/31, 51.6%), compared to those without (8/32, 25%; P = .0394). Overall, 24/159 (15.1%) of patients with AUS/FLUS had carcinoma on subsequent histology. CONCLUSION Malignancy rates for AUS/FLUS were in line with TBS estimated risks. However, our data demonstrate that the presence or absence of nuclear atypia is associated with different malignancy rates, suggesting the possibility that the AUS/FLUS category may best be split into two subcategories with different implied risks of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Deftereos
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Utah and ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Stephen C Schmechel
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Sarapath Diagnostics, FL
| | - Emily E Waner
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.,Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
| | - Malak Itani
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.,Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Manjiri K Dighe
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Tracy S Tylee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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22
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Thakur A, Sarin H, Kaur D, Sarin D. Risk of malignancy in Thyroid "Atypia of undetermined significance/Follicular lesion of undetermined significance" and its subcategories - A 5-year experience. INDIAN J PATHOL MICR 2019; 62:544-548. [PMID: 31611437 DOI: 10.4103/ijpm.ijpm_319_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Atypia of undetermined significance/Follicular lesion of undetermined significance [AUS/FLUS] is a heterogeneous category with a wide range of risk of malignancy [ROM] reported in the literature. The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology [TBSRTC], 2017 has recommended subcategorization of AUS/FLUS. Aims To evaluate the ROM in thyroid nodules categorized as AUS/FLUS, as well as separate ROM for each of the five subcategories. Settings and Design Retrospective analytic study. Methods and Materials A retrospective audit was conducted for all thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from January 2013 to December 2017. Slides for cases with follow-up histopathology were reviewed, classified into the five recommended subcategories, and differential ROM was calculated. Statistical Analysis Used z test for comparison of proportions was done to evaluate the difference in ROM among different subcategories of AUS/FLUS. The P value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results Total number of thyroid FNACs reported was 1,630, of which 122 were AUS/FLUS (7.5%). Histopathology was available in 49 cases, out of which 18 were malignant (ROM = 36.7%). The risk of malignancy (ROM) for nodules with architectural and cytologic atypia was higher (43.8%) than ROM for nodules with only architectural atypia (16.7%). Conclusions The sub-classification of AUS/FLUS into subcategories as recommended by TBSRTC, 2017 may better stratify the malignancy risk and guide future management guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Thakur
- Department of Pathology, Medanta-The Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon, India
| | - Haimanti Sarin
- Department of Pathology, Medanta-The Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon, India
| | - Dilpreet Kaur
- Department of Pathology, Medanta-The Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon, India
| | - Deepak Sarin
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Medanta-The Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon, India
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23
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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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24
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Li F, Pan D, Wu Y, Peng J, Li Q, Gui X, Ma W, Yang H, He Y, Chen J. Ultrasound characteristics of thyroid nodules facilitate interpretation of the malignant risk of Bethesda system III/IV thyroid nodules and inform therapeutic schedule. Diagn Cytopathol 2019; 47:881-889. [PMID: 31211509 PMCID: PMC6772092 DOI: 10.1002/dc.24248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background This study was designed to explore whether ultrasound of thyroid nodules facilitates the interpretation of the malignant risk of Bethesda III/IV thyroid nodules to inform further therapies. Methods We reviewed patient records in which the results of ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (US‐FNA) were classified by the Bethesda III/IV in our institution between January 2016 and June 2018. Studies were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, and Chinese VIP. The odds ratio (OR) was used to measure associations between risk factors and thyroid nodule malignancy. Results Fifty‐nine cases of Bethesda III/IV with corresponding surgeries were included, and the malignancy risk was 54.2%. Meta‐analysis revealed irregular borders, solitary nodules, hypoechogenicity, microcalcifications, and being taller than wide, all of which increased the malignancy risk of thyroid nodules. Combined ORs for these factors were 4.08 (95% CI: 2.34‐7.14, P < .001), 2.18 (95% CI: 1.39‐3.42, P = .001), 2.02 (95% CI: 1.35‐3.01, P = .001), 3.21 (95% CI: 2.26‐4.56, P < .001), and 4.35 (95% CI: 3.07‐6.15, P < .001), respectively. Conclusion As the risk of malignancy for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is high, when any one of the five ultrasound features of malignancy were confirmed, repeated FNA is recommended to confirm PTC‐type malignancy, even though nodules were Bethesda III/IV classification. However, repeated FNA should be avoided when none of these ultrasound features are identified because repeated FNA does not contribute to identifying non‐PTC type malignancies, such as follicular thyroid carcinoma and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Denghua Pan
- Department of Ultrasonography, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuquan Wu
- Department of Ultrasonography, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinbo Peng
- Department of Ultrasonography, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Ultrasonography, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolong Gui
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Ultrasonography, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun He
- Department of Ultrasonography, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Junqiang Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
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Patients with III and IV category of the Bethesda System under levothyroxine non-suppressive therapy have a lower rate of thyroid malignancy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8409. [PMID: 31182752 PMCID: PMC6557829 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44931-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid nodules (TNs) assigned to the Bethesda System categories III and IV include numerous clinical characteristics, which increase or decrease the risk of malignancy. However, there are very few data regarding the influence of TSH non-suppressive thyroid hormone therapy (NSTHT) on the risk of malignancy in patients in the aforementioned categories. We assessed the number of patients with thyroid nodules assigned to categories III and IV who take TSH NSTHT and if thyroid hormone therapy is associated with a rate of malignancy. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 4,716 individuals and selected 532 (11.28%) patients with Bethesda System category III and IV thyroid nodules. All participants underwent surgery, and histopathological verification was obtained in all cases. In all, 33.1% of individuals with category III and IV thyroid nodules took TSH NSTHT. In patients with category III nodules, application of NSTHT was associated with a lower rate of thyroid cancer (TC), though this observation was not significant (OR = 0.55, p = 0.381). In patients with category IV nodules, we demonstrated a significantly lower rate of TC when NSTHT was applied (OR = 0.44, p = 0.005). In conclusion, the prevalence of patients with Bethesda System category III and IV thyroid nodules who take NSTHT is high. TSH NSTHT significantly decreases a rate of malignancy in category IV, but not category III patients.
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Chung SR, Baek JH, Lee JH, Lee YM, Sung TY, Chung KW, Hong SJ, Jeon MJ, Kim TY, Shong YK, Kim WB, Kim WG, Song DE. Risk of Malignancy According to the Sub-classification of Atypia of Undetermined Significance and Suspicious Follicular Neoplasm Categories in Thyroid Core Needle Biopsies. Endocr Pathol 2019; 30:146-154. [PMID: 31044350 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-019-9577-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of malignancy (ROM) associated with atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) and suspicious follicular neoplasm (SFN) core needle biopsy (CNB) categories after further sub-classification. Data from 2267 thyroid nodules evaluated by ultrasound-guided CNB, from January to December 2015, were retrospectively reviewed. AUS nodules (n = 556) were sub-classified as follows: (1) architectural atypia (AUS-A; n = 369, 66.4%), (2) cytologic atypia (AUS-C; n = 35, 6.3%), (3) cytologic/architectural atypia (AUS-C/A; n = 85, 15.3%), or (4) oncocytic atypia (AUS-O; n = 67, 12.1%). SFN nodules (n = 172) were sub-classified as follows: (1) architectural atypia only (SFN-A; n = 110, 64%), (2) cytologic/architectural atypia (SFN-C/A; n = 24, 14%), or (3) oncocytic atypia (SFN-O; n = 38, 22%). Diagnostic surgery was performed in 162 (30.2%) AUS cases and 105 (61%) SFN cases. The ROM of each sub-category was evaluated. The overall ROM was 15.3-52.5% in AUS nodules and 35.5-58.1% in SFN nodules. The ROM was higher in the AUS-C (22.9-88.9%) and AUS-C/A (32.9-90.3%) groups than AUS-A (11.9-40%) and AUS-O (7.5-41.7%). In the SFN category, ROM in the SFN-C/A group was also higher than SFN-A or SFN-O (37.5-75%, 40-57.9%, and 21.1-47.1%, respectively). Our study shows that the ROM was higher in AUS or SFN sub-categories with cytologic atypia than those without cytologic atypia. Because of the heterogeneous nature of AUS and SFN categories, sub-classification may be a more effective approach for risk stratification, allowing optimal management of patients with thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Rom Chung
- Departments of Radiology Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Jung Hwan Baek
- Departments of Radiology Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Jeong Hyun Lee
- Departments of Radiology Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Yu-Mi Lee
- Departments of Surgery Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Tae-Yon Sung
- Departments of Surgery Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Ki-Wook Chung
- Departments of Surgery Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Suck Joon Hong
- Departments of Surgery Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Min Ji Jeon
- Departments of Internal Medicine Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Tae Yong Kim
- Departments of Internal Medicine Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Young Kee Shong
- Departments of Internal Medicine Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Won Bae Kim
- Departments of Internal Medicine Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Won Gu Kim
- Departments of Internal Medicine Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Dong Eun Song
- Departments of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, South Korea.
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Angell TE, Heller HT, Cibas ES, Barletta JA, Kim MI, Krane JF, Marqusee E. Independent Comparison of the Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier and Gene Expression Classifier for Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. Thyroid 2019; 29:650-656. [PMID: 30803388 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2018.0726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: For thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology, the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) identified benign nodules to reduce diagnostic surgery, though many nodules classified as suspicious still proved histopathologically benign. The current Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC) demonstrates improved specificity, suggesting more nodules will have a benign result (benign call rate [BCR]), but independent data are needed to confirm this in clinical practice. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed of all Bethesda III or IV cytology thyroid nodules ≥1 cm tested with GEC (between January 1, 2011, and July 19, 2017) or GSC (between July 20, 2017, and August 27, 2018) at the authors' institution. Afirma testing was not performed reflectively for all nodules with Bethesda III or IV cytology, but rather was applied based on physician-patient decision making. Demographic, sonographic, and cytologic data were collected. The BCR for GEC- versus GSC-tested nodules was compared and further stratified by Bethesda classifications. Results: The study evaluated 600 nodules in 563 patients tested with either GEC (n = 486) or GSC (n = 114). The BCR was 233/486 (47.9%) for the GEC compared to 75/114 (65.8%) for the GSC (p = 0.0006). Hürthle-cell cytology was present in 99/486 (20.4%) nodules in the GEC group compared to 31/114 (27.2%) nodules in the GSC group (p = 0.28). The GSC BCR was significantly higher than the GEC BCR for Bethesda III nodules characterized by Hürthle cells (p = 0.006), but the BCRs were similar for nodules with architectural or cytologic atypia. In Bethesda IV nodules suspicious for follicular neoplasm, BCR for the GEC and GSC were similar (p = 0.68), but for cytology suspicious for Hürthle-cell neoplasm, the GSC BCR was 68.2% (15/22) compared to the GEC BCR of 16.4% (10/61; p < 0.0001). Positive predictive value in resected nodules with a suspicious result was 16/32 (50%) for GSC nodules and 75/221 (33.9%) for GEC nodules (p = 0.1). Conclusions: The higher BCR for the GSC compared to the GEC for indeterminate thyroid nodules, predominantly among nodules with Hürthle-cell cytology, will likely lead to further reduction in surgical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor E Angell
- 1 Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Howard T Heller
- 2 Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edmund S Cibas
- 3 Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justine A Barletta
- 3 Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew I Kim
- 1 Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- 3 Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ellen Marqusee
- 1 Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Roy S, Prabhu AJ, Abraham DT, Mazhuvanchary Jacob P, Manipadam MT. An Insight into the Utility of Sub-Categorisation of Atypia of Undetermined Significance for Risk Stratification: A Retrospective Study on an Indian Cohort with Histopathological Correlation. Acta Cytol 2019; 63:182-188. [PMID: 30889578 DOI: 10.1159/000496600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) criterion in thyroid fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) has been a heterogeneous entity with much inter-observer variation. Sub-categorisation of AUS/FLUS has been observed to play an effective role in risk stratification. We aimed to validate AUS/FLUS sub-categorisation in correlation with the spectrum of malignancy. STUDY DESIGN Subjects included patients with AUS/FLUS diagnosed between January 2015 and December 2016. AUS/FLUS cases were sub-categorised into those exhibiting (1) architectural atypia, (2) cytological atypia, (3) architectural and cytological atypia, (4) AUS with Hürthle cells, and (5) AUS not otherwise specified (AUS-NOS). Each sub-category was correlated with their corresponding incidence of malignancy in surgical resections. RESULT The overall incidence of AUS/FLUS in our centre was 13% (132/1,018). On retrospective review of 117 patients with AUS/FLUS, smears with cytological atypia showed a higher incidence of malignancy (78.3%) than those with architectural atypia (75.3%). AUS/FLUS cases with both cytological and architectural atypia had a malignancy rate of 71.4%. CONCLUSION AUS/FLUS cases with cytological atypia had a higher risk of malignancy than those with architectural atypia. The sub-categorisation of AUS/FLUS is diagnostically important for the proper risk stratification of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeet Roy
- Department of Pathology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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Ha SM, Na DG, Kim JH, Kim SC, Baek JH. Validation of web-based thyroid imaging reporting and data system in atypia or follicular lesion of undetermined significance thyroid nodules. Head Neck 2019; 41:2215-2224. [PMID: 30801850 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) show variable malignancy risk. We validated the web-based predictive models and the scoring system by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for AUS/FLUS nodules to stratify the malignancy risk. METHODS From January 2011 to November 2014, 275 consecutive nodules diagnosed as AUS/FLUS were enrolled. The discrimination and calibration ability of a web-based scoring with inclusion of biopsy result and sonographic features, old web-based scoring model without biopsy result, and ACR models were assessed. RESULTS The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the validation set were 0.670 for the new web-based model, 0.710 for the old web-based model, and 0.732 for the ACR scoring risk-stratification model. All models were well calibrated. CONCLUSION The web-based scoring risk-stratification model using the combined information of ultrasonography features and biopsy result for AUS/FLUS nodules to stratify malignancy risk presents an acceptable predictive accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Min Ha
- Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Gyu Na
- Department of Radiology, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, South Korea.,Department of Radiology, Human Medical Imaging and Intervention Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soo Chin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Hwan Baek
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
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Geramizadeh B, Bos-Hagh S, Maleki Z. Cytomorphologic, Imaging, Molecular Findings, and Outcome in Thyroid Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance/Atypical Cell of Undetermined Significance (AUS/FLUS): A Mini-Review. Acta Cytol 2018; 63:1-9. [PMID: 30380529 DOI: 10.1159/000493908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since the introduction of the entity of "Atypical cell of undetermined significance /follicular lesion of undetermined significance" (AUS/FLUS) by The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (TBSRTC) in 2007, there have been many published studies about the cytomorphologic criteria, subclassification, outcome, and management of patients with the diagnosis of AUS/FLUS. There have been many studies in different aspects of this indeterminate category, i.e., cytologic and molecular findings, ultrasonographic findings, and in some instances even core-needle biopsy to address a better and safer way of the management of patients with this fine-needle aspiration cytology diagnosis. The second edition of TBSRTC and the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines provide an update on the follow-up and management of AUS/FLUS. A multidisciplinary team consisting of pathologists, endocrinologists, surgeons, and radiologists should be involved in the diagnosis and management of AUS/FLUS, and all of them should be aware of the heterogeneity of this lesion for the prediction of the treatment and outcome. STUDY DESIGN In this review, we consider different research platforms (2008-2017) to find the best and key reports for the above-mentioned challenging aspects of AUS/FLUS. CONCLUSION AUS/FLUS is now a well-defined group of thyroid lesions, which can be most accurately diagnosed and managed with cytomorphology, molecular, and ancillary studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Geramizadeh
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Shiraz University, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Somayeh Bos-Hagh
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Shiraz University, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Maleki
- Division of Cytopathology, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland,
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Eisa N, Khan A, Akhter M, Fensterwald M, Saleem S, Fananapazir G, Campbell MJ. Both Ultrasound Features and Nuclear Atypia are Associated with Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules with Atypia of Undetermined Significance. Ann Surg Oncol 2018; 25:3913-3918. [PMID: 30302643 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-018-6826-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal management of thyroid nodules that undergo fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with findings of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) is unclear. Categorizing nodules by AUS subtype and ultrasound characteristics may improve risk stratification. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between AUS subtype and ultrasound features on risk of malignancy (ROM). METHODS We performed a review of all patients with a thyroid nodule who underwent an FNA at our institution between January 2010 and November 2015. Patients with AUS were divided into groups with (1) nuclear atypia, (2) architectural atypia, or (3) Hurthle cell atypia. Their ultrasound features were assessed using the American Thyroid Association (ATA) thyroid nodule sonographic patterns. We conducted a univariate and multivariable analysis to determine the association between AUS subtype and other variables of interest with ROM. RESULTS Of the 3428 thyroid nodules that underwent FNA, 237 (6.9%) had AUS. Of the 97 surgically resected nodules, 67 (69%) were benign and 30 (31%) were malignant. On univariate analysis nuclear atypia (p < 0.01) was associated with a thyroid malignancy. On multivariable analysis, both ATA high-risk ultrasound features (p = 0.04, odds ratio [OR] 3.68) and nuclear atypia (p < 0.01, OR 11.8) were independently associated with a final diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS Nuclear atypia and ATA high-risk ultrasound features are useful in identifying patients with AUS that are at a higher risk of thyroid malignancy. Surgeons should take these factors into consideration when evaluating patients with AUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naseem Eisa
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ahsan Khan
- School of Medicine, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Mutaal Akhter
- School of Medicine, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Molly Fensterwald
- School of Medicine, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Saba Saleem
- School of Medicine, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ghaneh Fananapazir
- Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Campbell
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA. .,University of California, Davis, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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García Pascual L, Surralles ML, Morlius X, Garcia Cano L, González Mínguez C. Prevalence and associated malignancy of Bethesda category III cytologies of thyroid nodules assigned to the "cytological atypia" or "architectural atypia" groups. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 65:577-583. [PMID: 30262240 DOI: 10.1016/j.endinu.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To ascertain the prevalence of Bethesda category III cytologies and their malignancy rate, and to analyze differences in the second cytology, malignancy rate, type of carcinoma, and TNM stage between the cytological atypia (CA) and architectural atypia (AA) groups. PATIENTS AND METHOD A retrospective study of 973 biopsies. Bethesda category III cytologies were classified as CA when nuclear atypia was seen but they were not diagnostic or suspicious of malignancy, and as AA when smears had few cells but had a predominantly microfollicular pattern and minimal or absent colloid. The cytological and pathological results were correlated. RESULTS There were 87 (8.9%) Bethesda category III cytologies (34 CC, 53 AA). Second cytologies were performed in 23 patients (16 with CA, 7 with AA), and a benign result was found in 68.7% of CA and 71.4% of the AA group. Sixty-four patients (23 CA, 41 AA) underwent surgery and 15 of these (23.4%) had a malignant disease: 39.1% CA vs 14.6% AA (P=.029). There was a false negative result in the CA group. The follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common malignancy (60%). There were no differences in type of carcinoma or TNM stage between CA and AA patients. CONCLUSIONS The reported prevalence of Bethesda category III cytologies was as expected. The malignancy rate was significantly higher in the CA group, but there were no differences in the result of the second cytology, type of carcinoma found, or TNM stage. The division of Bethesda category III cytologies is useful to provide a better stratification of the risk of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis García Pascual
- Servicio de Endocrinología, Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, Terrassa, España.
| | - Maria Lluïsa Surralles
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, Terrassa, España
| | - Xavier Morlius
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, Terrassa, España
| | - Laia Garcia Cano
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, Terrassa, España
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Mileva M, Stoilovska B, Jovanovska A, Ugrinska A, Petrushevska G, Kostadinova-Kunovska S, Miladinova D, Majstorov V. Thyroid cancer detection rate and associated risk factors in patients with thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda category III. Radiol Oncol 2018; 52:370-376. [PMID: 30265655 PMCID: PMC6287180 DOI: 10.2478/raon-2018-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a standard procedure for thyroid nodules management and selecting patients for surgical treatment. Atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS), as stated by The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, is a diagnostic category with an implied malignancy risk of 5-15%. The aim of our study was to review cytology and histopathology reports, as well as clinical and ultrasound data, for thyroid nodules reported as AUS/FLUS, in order to evaluate the malignancy rate and to assess factors associated with malignant outcome. Patients and methods A total of 112 AUS/FLUS thyroid nodules in 105 patients were evaluated, of which 85 (75.9%) were referred to surgery, 21 (18.8%) were followed-up by repeat FNA and 6 nodules (5.3%) were clinically observed. Each was categorized in two final diagnostic groups - benign or malignant, which were further compared to clinical data of patients and ultrasonographic features of the nodules. Results Final diagnosis of malignancy was reached in 35 cases (31.2%) and 77 (68.8%) had benign lesions. The most frequent type of cancer was papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) - 58.1% PTC and 25.8% had follicular variant of PTC. Patients' younger age, smaller nodule size, hypoechoic nodule and presence of calcifications were shown to be statistically significant risk factors for malignancy. Conclusions The rate of malignancy for the AUS/FLUS diagnostic category in our study was higher than estimated by the Bethesda System. Clinical and ultrasound factors should be considered when decision for patient treatment is being made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Mileva
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Bojana Stoilovska
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Anamarija Jovanovska
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Ana Ugrinska
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Gordana Petrushevska
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | | | - Daniela Miladinova
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Venjamin Majstorov
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
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Kaliszewski K, Diakowska D, Wojtczak B, Forkasiewicz Z. Evaluation of selected ultrasound features of thyroid nodules with atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance for the Bethesda reporting system for thyroid cytology. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:2223-2229. [PMID: 30087580 PMCID: PMC6061200 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s168409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective The risk of malignancy from “atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance” (AUS/FLUS) is estimated to lie between 5% and 15%; however, some authors suggest that the risk of malignancy in AUS/FLUS depends upon specific clinical situations. This was a retrospective study which aimed to determine the incidence and risk of thyroid cancer (TC) based upon selected ultrasound features from patients with thyroid nodules (TN) classified as AUS/FLUS. Methods Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify significant associations between ultrasound features and the risk of TC. Results Of 127 patients with TN classified as AUS/FLUS who underwent thyroidectomy, 114 (89.8%) had benign disease while 13 (10.2%) had TC. Univariate analysis identified several significant predictors for TC (all p<0.05), including microcalcifications, hypoechogenicity, the prevalence of irregular margins, a taller rather than a wide form, high vascularity, and fast tumor growth. Multivariate analysis further showed that microcalcifications (odds ratio =21.37; p=0.024) and fast growth (odds ratio =22.70; p=0.021) were significant and independent factors associated with the risk of developing TC. Conclusion Microcalcifications and fast growth of the TN could therefore be used as predictive factors for the development of TC in patients with AUS/FLUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kaliszewski
- First Department and Clinic of General, Gastroenterological and Endocrine Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland,
| | - Dorota Diakowska
- Department of Nervous System Diseases, Faculty of Health Science, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Wojtczak
- First Department and Clinic of General, Gastroenterological and Endocrine Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland,
| | - Zdzisław Forkasiewicz
- First Department and Clinic of General, Gastroenterological and Endocrine Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland,
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Trimboli P, Crescenzi A, Giovanella L. Performance of Italian Consensus for the Classification and Reporting of Thyroid Cytology (ICCRTC) in discriminating indeterminate lesions at low and high risk of malignancy. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocrine 2018; 60:31-35. [PMID: 28786076 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1382-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Italian consensus for the classification and reporting of thyroid cytology was published in 2014 and it has been used in almost all Italian institutions. To date, there are not solid data on the reliability of Italian consensus for the classification and reporting of thyroid cytology in classifying low and high risk indeterminate nodules (Tir 3A and Tir 3B, respectively). Here, we reviewed and meta-analyzed the results of published articles to obtain evidence-based information on this topic. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A comprehensive literature exploration of online databases was conducted by searching all published papers citing Italian consensus for the classification and reporting of thyroid cytology. The search was updated until June 2017, and references of the retrieved articles were also screened. Only original articles reporting histologic follow-up of nodules cytologically classified as Tir 3A and Tir 3B were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS The literature search revealed 62 articles and six of these were eligible for the study. All papers were retrospective and published very recently. Overall, 423 indeterminate lesions, of which 180 Tir 3A and 243 Tir 3B, were found. Of these, 29 cancers were recorded in Tir 3A and 127 in Tir 3B. The pooled rate of malignancy was 17% (95% CI = 12 to 22%) in Tir 3A and 52% (95% CI = 46 to 58%) in Tir 3B. No significant publication bias was evident. CONCLUSIONS Italian consensus for the classification and reporting of thyroid cytology 2014 shows high reliability in discriminating indeterminate lesions at low risk of malignancy from those at high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Trimboli
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
| | - Anna Crescenzi
- Section of Pathology, University Hospital Campus Bio Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Bellevicine C, Sgariglia R, Migliatico I, Vigliar E, D'Anna M, Nacchio MA, Serra N, Malapelle U, Bongiovanni M, Troncone G. Different qualifiers of AUS/FLUS thyroid FNA have distinct BRAF, RAS, RET/PTC, and PAX8/PPARg alterations. Cancer Cytopathol 2018; 126:317-325. [PMID: 29469940 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology category of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) includes fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens that cannot straightforwardly be classified as benign or malignant. To determine whether morphological subcategorization based on atypia qualifiers and molecular testing could improve malignancy risk stratification of AUS/FLUS patients, this study assessed the correlation between these qualifiers and the molecular alterations commonly harbored by thyroid neoplasms. METHODS A total of 162 AUS/FLUS cases were subcategorized by atypia qualifiers (Hürthle cell changes, architectural atypia, and cytologic atypia [CyA]) and were tested for BRAF, N-H-KRAS, RET/PTC, and paired box 8 (PAX8)/peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARg) mutations. RESULTS CyA was observed more frequently in mutation-positive AUS/FLUS (14 of 37 [37.84%]) than mutation-negative AUS/FLUS (20 of 125 [16.00%]; P < .0084), and it specifically harbored the BRAFV600E point mutation. Malignancy was confirmed in the available follow-up. Conversely, although RAS was the most frequent mutation identified in AUS/FLUS FNA specimens (26 of 37 cases [70.27%]; P < .0001), it was distributed across various AUS/FLUS subcategories and was not significantly associated with a specific atypia qualifier or malignant outcome according to the available follow-up. Rearrangements of both RET/PTC (n = 1) and PAX8/PPARg (n = 3) were rarely retrieved in the FNA samples. CONCLUSIONS BRAF and RAS mutations are associated with different AUS/FLUS qualifiers and hence have different risks of malignancy. Consequently, a hybrid molecular and morphological subcategorization system could improve the malignancy risk stratification of thyroid FNA samples diagnosed as AUS/FLUS. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:317-25. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bellevicine
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Sgariglia
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Migliatico
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Vigliar
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Melania D'Anna
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Serra
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Oosthuizen JL, Walker B, Todorovic E, Masoudi H, Wiseman SM. The presence of papillary features in thyroid nodules diagnosed as atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance increases cancer risk and should influence treatment. Am J Surg 2018; 215:819-823. [PMID: 29422426 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2017.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of papillary features on risk of malignancy (ROM) within the Atypia of Undetermined Significance or Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance (AUS-FLUS) Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC) diagnostic category. METHODS A Retrospective review of cases with an AUS-FLUS diagnosis that underwent a thyroidectomy was carried out, and cases were subcategorized based upon the presence of papillary features. RESULTS For the entire study population there were 93 (22%) of 427 FNAB specimens that had an AUS-FLUS diagnosis, and a 32% associated ROM. Papillary features were identified in 44 FNAB specimens (47% of the AUS-FLUS cases or 10% of the entire study population), and when present had a 45% ROM. The 49 FNAB specimens (53%) that did not exhibit papillary features had a significantly lower ROM (20%) than those that did have papillary features (p = 0.0069). CONCLUSIONS The presence of papillary features in a thyroid FNAB with an AUS-FLUS diagnosis is common, and is associated with a higher ROM than is currently suggested by the BSRTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean L Oosthuizen
- Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Blair Walker
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emilija Todorovic
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hamid Masoudi
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sam M Wiseman
- Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Hang JF, Westra WH, Zhou AG, Cooper DS, Ali SZ. The impact of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features on the rate of malignancy for atypia of undetermined significance subcategories. Cancer Cytopathol 2018; 126:309-316. [PMID: 29424960 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent revision in terminology, with noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) replacing noninvasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma, has reclassified the clinically indolent tumor as nonmalignant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of this change on the rate of malignancy (ROM) for subcategories of an atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) diagnosis on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. METHODS Consecutive thyroid FNAs interpreted as AUS over a period of 4 years were retrospectively analyzed. The ROM for AUS subcategories, including atypia of undetermined significance with nuclear atypia (AUS-N), atypia of undetermined significance with a microfollicular pattern (AUS-F), atypia of undetermined significance with nuclear atypia and a microfollicular pattern (AUS-N/F), atypia of undetermined significance with Hürthle cells (AUS-H), and atypia of undetermined significance, not otherwise specified (AUS-NOS), were analyzed. RESULTS Of the 426 nodules interpreted as AUS, 244 were surgically excised. The incidence of NIFTP in each subcategory was as follows: 18% for AUS-N, 18% for AUS-F, 9% for AUS-N/F, 3% for AUS-H, and 0% for AUS-NOS. After the reclassification of NIFTP as nonmalignant, the ROM based on histologic follow-up significantly decreased from 43% to 26% for AUS-N (P < .001) and from 29% to 10% for AUS-F (P = .008). The ROM for AUS-N remained significantly higher than the ROM for AUS-F (P = .030). CONCLUSIONS A subset of resected AUS nodules can be reclassified as NIFTP, and that significantly decreases the ROM, especially for AUS-N and AUS-F. Nonetheless, AUS-N still harbors a substantially higher ROM than AUS-F. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:309-16. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Fan Hang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - William H Westra
- Department of Pathology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Amy G Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David S Cooper
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Syed Z Ali
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
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Valderrabano P, Khazai L, Thompson ZJ, Leon ME, Otto KJ, Hallanger-Johnson JE, Wadsworth JT, Wenig BM, Chung CH, Centeno BA, McIver B. Cancer Risk Stratification of Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Cytological Approach. Thyroid 2017; 27:1277-1284. [PMID: 28806881 PMCID: PMC6112164 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2017.0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management recommendations for thyroid nodules rely primarily on the cytological diagnosis. However, 25% of biopsies render an indeterminate cytology for which management decision is more challenging due to heterogeneity of the specimens. This study aimed to stratify the cancer risk through subcategorization of indeterminate cytology. METHODS The indeterminate cytological specimens (Bethesda-III or IV) of 518 thyroid nodules consecutively evaluated at our academic cancer center between October 2008 and September 2015, blinded to the histological outcome, were retrospectively reviewed. Cytological specimens were subclassified into four groups: aspirates exhibiting nuclear atypia (n = 158; 31%); architectural atypia (n = 222; 43%); oncocytic features (n = 120; 23%); or other types of atypia (n = 18; 3%). The prevalence of malignancy and odds ratio for malignancy were calculated in 323 nodules with histological confirmation. RESULTS The prevalence of malignancy was 26% overall (20% in Bethesda-III and 29% in Bethesda-IV; p = 0.07), and 47%, 12%, 24%, and 25% for aspirates with nuclear atypia, architectural atypia, oncocytic features, or other types of atypia, respectively. The OR of nuclear atypia over architectural atypia was 6.4 (3.4-12.2; p < 0.001), and 2.7 over oncocytic features (1.4-5.1; p = 0.01), whereas the OR of architectural atypia over oncocytic features was 0.4 (0.2-0.9; p = 0.03). Results were similar for Bethesda-III and IV aspirates when analyzed independently. Furthermore, cytological subcategories improved cytology-histology correlation, as they were associated with distinct profiles of histological diagnoses (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Cytological subcategories can effectively stratify the risk of malignancy of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology and improve cytology-histology correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Valderrabano
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Address correspondence to:Pablo Valderrabano, MDDepartment of Head and Neck-Endocrine OncologyH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute12902 Magnolia DriveTampa, FL 33612
| | - Laila Khazai
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Zachary J. Thompson
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Marino E. Leon
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kristen J. Otto
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Julie E. Hallanger-Johnson
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - J. Trad Wadsworth
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Bruce M. Wenig
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Christine H. Chung
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Barbara A. Centeno
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Bryan McIver
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
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Strickland KC, Howitt BE, Barletta JA, Cibas ES, Krane JF. Suggesting the cytologic diagnosis of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP): A retrospective analysis of atypical and suspicious nodules. Cancer Cytopathol 2017; 126:86-93. [DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle C. Strickland
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Brooke E. Howitt
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Justine A. Barletta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Edmund S. Cibas
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey F. Krane
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
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Ahn SH, Kim SD, Jeong WJ. Comparison of risk of malignancy in a subgroup with atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance: A meta-analysis. Head Neck 2017; 39:1699-1710. [PMID: 28493558 DOI: 10.1002/hed.24768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As heterogeneous findings are included in the atypia of undetermined significance (AUS)/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS) category, differing risks of malignancy in subgroups have been reported in several articles. METHODS We performed a meta-analysis of full-text publications written in English found in the Embase and PubMed databases. RESULTS The 4-tiered subgroup proportion meta-analysis showed that the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the risk of malignancy in the cellular atypia group did not overlap with the other 3 subgroups and demonstrated a significant difference. Two-tiered analysis using the cytologic and architectural atypia groups showed that cytologic atypia group had a 2.64-fold increase in the risk of malignancy compared with the architectural atypia group. CONCLUSION The cytologic atypia had a significantly higher risk of malignancy than the architectural atypia group, and it should be considered as a separate category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon-Hyun Ahn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, South Korea
| | - Seong Dong Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, South Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Jeong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, South Korea
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Adequacy criteria for thyroid FNA evaluated by ThinPrep slides only. Cancer Cytopathol 2017; 125:534-543. [DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Baca SC, Wong KS, Strickland KC, Heller HT, Kim MI, Barletta JA, Cibas ES, Krane JF, Marqusee E, Angell TE. Qualifiers of atypia in the cytologic diagnosis of thyroid nodules are associated with different Afirma gene expression classifier results and clinical outcomes. Cancer Cytopathol 2017; 125:313-322. [PMID: 28152275 PMCID: PMC5484344 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid nodules with atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) have a low risk of malignancy that appears to vary based on specific features described in the AUS diagnosis. The Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) is a molecular test designed to improve preoperative risk stratification of thyroid nodules, but its performance for different patterns of AUS has not been defined. The objective of this study was to assess GEC results and clinical outcomes in AUS nodules with architectural atypia (AUS‐A), cytologic atypia (AUS‐C) or both (AUS‐C/A). METHODS This was a retrospective review of all thyroid nodules with AUS cytopathology that underwent GEC testing at the authors' institution over a period of >4 years. RESULTS In 227 nodules that had AUS cytology results and Afirma GEC testing, the rate of benign GEC results was higher in AUS‐A nodules (70 of 107; 65%) than in AUS‐C/A nodules (25 of 65; 38%; P = .0008), and AUS‐C nodules exhibited an intermediate rate of benign results (27 of 55 nodules; 59%). The risk of cancer among patients who had GEC‐suspicious nodules, 86% of whom underwent resection, was 19% (6 of 25) for AUS‐A nodules compared with 57% (21 of 37) for AUS‐C/A nodules (P = .003) and 45% (10 of 22) for AUS‐C nodules (P = .07). In nodules that had an indeterminate repeat cytology result, no difference was observed in the rate of benign GEC results or in the malignancy rate compared with nodules that had a single cytology result. CONCLUSIONS The performance characteristics of Afirma GEC testing vary, depending on qualifiers of cytologic atypia. Recognition of these differences may enable clinicians to provide improved counseling and treatment recommendations to patients. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:313–322. © 2017 American Cancer Society. Thyroid nodules with atypia of undetermined significance cytology and Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) testing are analyzed based on the presence of architectural, cytologic, or both cytologic and architectural atypia. Nodules with architectural atypia are the most likely to have a benign GEC result and least likely to be malignant, suggesting that clinicians should be aware of these cytologic qualifiers when advising patients regarding GEC testing and the risk of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvan C Baca
- Department of Medicine, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kristine S Wong
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kyle C Strickland
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Howard T Heller
- Department of Radiology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew I Kim
- Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Hypertension, and Diabetes, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edmund S Cibas
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ellen Marqusee
- Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Hypertension, and Diabetes, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Trevor E Angell
- Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Hypertension, and Diabetes, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Pusztaszeri M, Rossi ED, Auger M, Baloch Z, Bishop J, Bongiovanni M, Chandra A, Cochand-Priollet B, Fadda G, Hirokawa M, Hong S, Kakudo K, Krane JF, Nayar R, Parangi S, Schmitt F, Faquin WC. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology: Proposed Modifications and Updates for the Second Edition from an International Panel. Acta Cytol 2016; 60:399-405. [PMID: 27764825 DOI: 10.1159/000451020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (TBSRTC) was proposed in 2007 at the National Cancer Institute Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration State of the Art and Science Conference held in Bethesda, Maryland. The aim was to address the inconsistent and sometimes confusing reporting terminologies used for thyroid FNA throughout the world. The TBSRTC consists of 6 diagnostic categories, each associated with an implied risk of malignancy that translates directly into a clinical management algorithm. Since the publication of the TBSRTC cytology Atlas in January 2010, considerable experience has been gained regarding its application in cytology practice, clinical impact, and limitations. In conjunction with the International Academy of Cytology (IAC), an international panel composed of sixteen cytopathologists and an endocrinologist with special interest in thyroid cytology, including several co-authors of the 2010 TBSRTC Atlas, was created to: (1) analyze the current worldwide impact of TBSRTC, (2) report on the current state of TBSRTC based upon a review of the published literature, and (3) provide possible recommendations for a future update of TBSRTC. Herein, we summarize the panel's deliberations and key recommendations that our panel hopes will be useful during the preparation of the second edition of TBSRTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Pusztaszeri
- Department of Pathology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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45
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Pusztaszeri M, Rossi ED, Auger M, Baloch Z, Bishop J, Bongiovanni M, Chandra A, Cochand-Priollet B, Fadda G, Hirokawa M, Hong S, Kakudo K, Krane JF, Nayar R, Parangi S, Schmitt F, Faquin WC. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology: proposed modifications and updates for the second edition from an international panel. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2016; 5:245-251. [PMID: 31042501 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (TBSRTC) was proposed in 2007 at the National Cancer Institute Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration State of the Art and Science » Conference held in Bethesda, Maryland. The aim was to address the inconsistent and sometimes confusing reporting terminologies used for thyroid FNA throughout the world. The TBSRTC consists of 6 diagnostic categories, each associated with an implied risk of malignancy that translates directly into a clinical management algorithm. Since the publication of the TBSRTC cytology Atlas in January 2010, considerable experience has been gained regarding its application in cytology practice, clinical impact, and limitations. In conjunction with the International Academy of Cytology (IAC), an international panel composed of sixteen cytopathologists and an endocrinologist with special interest in thyroid cytology, including several co-authors of the 2010 TBSRTC Atlas, was created to: 1) analyze the current worldwide impact of TBSRTC, 2) report on the current state of TBSRTC based upon a review of the published literature, and 3) provide possible recommendations for a future update of TBSRTC. Herein, we summarize the panel's deliberations and key recommendations that our panel hopes will be useful during the preparation of the second edition of TBSRTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Pusztaszeri
- Department of Pathology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Esther Diana Rossi
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Agostino Gemelli School of Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Manon Auger
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Zubair Baloch
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Justin Bishop
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Massimo Bongiovanni
- Institute of Pathology, Centre Hospittalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ashish Chandra
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Guido Fadda
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Agostino Gemelli School of Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - SoonWong Hong
- Department of Pathology, Gang Nam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kennichi Kakudo
- Department of Pathology, Nara Hospital, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ritu Nayar
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University and Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sareh Parangi
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fernando Schmitt
- Department of Medicine, Laboratoire National de Santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - William C Faquin
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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46
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Gharib H, Papini E, Garber JR, Duick DS, Harrell RM, Hegedüs L, Paschke R, Valcavi R, Vitti P. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS, AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY, AND ASSOCIAZIONE MEDICI ENDOCRINOLOGI MEDICAL GUIDELINES FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF THYROID NODULES--2016 UPDATE. Endocr Pract 2016; 22:622-39. [PMID: 27167915 DOI: 10.4158/ep161208.gl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 708] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid nodules are detected in up to 50 to 60% of healthy subjects. Most nodules do not cause clinically significant symptoms, and as a result, the main challenge in their management is to rule out malignancy, with ultrasonography (US) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy serving as diagnostic cornerstones. The key issues discussed in these guidelines are as follows: (1) US-based categorization of the malignancy risk and indications for US-guided FNA (henceforth, FNA), (2) cytologic classification of FNA samples, (3) the roles of immunocytochemistry and molecular testing applied to thyroid FNA, (4) therapeutic options, and (5) follow-up strategy. Thyroid nodule management during pregnancy and in children are also addressed. On the basis of US features, thyroid nodules may be categorized into 3 groups: low-, intermediate-and high-malignancy risk. FNA should be considered for nodules ≤10 mm diameter only when suspicious US signs are present, while nodules ≤5 mm should be monitored rather than biopsied. A classification scheme of 5 categories (nondiagnostic, benign, indeterminate, suspicious for malignancy, or malignant) is recommended for the cytologic report. Indeterminate lesions are further subdivided into 2 subclasses to more accurately stratify the risk of malignancy. At present, no single cytochemical or genetic marker can definitely rule out malignancy in indeterminate nodules. Nevertheless, these tools should be considered together with clinical data, US signs, elastographic pattern, or results of other imaging techniques to improve the management of these lesions. Most thyroid nodules do not require any treatment, and levothyroxine (LT4) suppressive therapy is not recommended. Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) should be the first-line treatment option for relapsing, benign cystic lesions, while US-guided thermal ablation treatments may be considered for solid or mixed symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. Surgery remains the treatment of choice for malignant or suspicious nodules. The present document updates previous guidelines released in 2006 and 2010 by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), American College of Endocrinology (ACE) and Associazione Medici Endocrinologi (AME).
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Yoon JH, Kwon HJ, Kim EK, Moon HJ, Kwak JY. Subcategorization of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS): a study applying Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS). Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2016; 85:275-82. [PMID: 26639612 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical significance and compare the imaging features according to the Thyroid Image Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) between atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) subcategories. DESIGN & PATIENTS A total of 192 thyroid nodules in 188 patients (mean age: 50·2 ± 11·8 years) that had been initially diagnosed as AUS/FLUS on US-guided fine needle aspiration (US-FNA) were included. One cytopathologist retrospectively reviewed the cytology slides, subcategorizing cytology results into AUS and FLUS. A TIRADS category was assigned to each thyroid nodule according to the number of suspicious US features. Clinical, US features and malignancy rates were compared between the two subcategories. RESULTS Of the 192 AUS/FLUS lesions, 149 (77·6%) were subcategorized as AUS and 43 (22·4%) as FLUS. Of the 192 AUS/FLUS nodules, 82 (42·7%) were malignant. The malignancy rates between AUS and FLUS subcategories were not significantly different, 45·6% to 32·6%, respectively (P = 0·127). When applying TIRADS, significant differences were seen in TIRADS category between benign and malignant nodules in the AUS subcategory (P < 0·001), but not in the FLUS subcategory (P = 0·414). The malignancy rates in TIRADS categories 3, 4a, 4b, 4c and 5 were 15·4%, 22·2%, 33·3%, 57·1% and 80·0% (P < 0·001) in AUS nodules and 40·0%, 50·0%, 23·5%, 22·2% and 0·0% (P = 0·414) in FLUS nodules, respectively. CONCLUSION Suspicious US features are useful in predicting malignancy among AUS subcategories but not in FLUS subcategories. Subcategorization into AUS and FLUS cytology may be helpful in deciding upon treatment or management of thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hyun Yoon
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeong Ju Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University, Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Kim
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Jung Moon
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Young Kwak
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Seoul, Korea
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48
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Kang Y, Lee YJ, Jung J, Lee Y, Won NH, Chae YS. Morphometric Analysis of Thyroid Follicular Cells with Atypia of Undetermined Significance. J Pathol Transl Med 2016; 50:287-93. [PMID: 27292152 PMCID: PMC4963972 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2016.04.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) is a category that encompasses a heterogeneous group of thyroid aspiration cytology. It has been reclassified into two subgroups based on the cytomorphologic features: AUS with cytologic atypia and AUS with architectural atypia. The nuclear characteristics of AUS with cytologic atypia need to be clarified by comparing to those observed in Hashimoto thyroiditis and benign follicular lesions. METHODS We selected 84 cases of AUS with histologic follow-up, 24 cases of Hashimoto thyroiditis, and 26 cases of benign follicular lesions. We also subcategorized the AUS group according to the follow-up biopsy results into a papillary carcinoma group and a nodular hyperplasia group. The differences in morphometric parameters, including the nuclear areas and perimeters, were compared between these groups. RESULTS The AUS group had significantly smaller nuclear areas than the Hashimoto thyroiditis group, but the nuclear perimeters were not statistically different. The AUS group also had significantly smaller nuclear areas than the benign follicular lesion group; however, the AUS group had significantly longer nuclear perimeters. The nuclear areas in the papillary carcinoma group were significantly smaller than those in the nodular hyperplasia group; however, the nuclear perimeters were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS We found the AUS group to be a heterogeneous entity, including histologic follow-up diagnoses of papillary carcinoma and nodular hyperplasia. The AUS group showed significantly greater nuclear irregularities than the other two groups. Utilizing these features, nuclear morphometry could lead to improvements in the accuracy of the subjective diagnoses made with thyroid aspiration cytology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngjin Kang
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoo Jin Lee
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jiyoon Jung
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam Hee Won
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yang Seok Chae
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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49
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Bethesda System category III (atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance [AUS/FLUS]) creates a dilemma because of heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to assess whether ultrasonography (US) contributes to differentiating AUS from FLUS and may suggest characteristics of malignancy within category III. METHODS From April 2011 to April 2012, 433 thyroid nodules that had been interpreted as nuclear atypia (AUS group; n = 322) or microfollicular architecture (FLUS group; n = 111) were included in the retrospective study. Final diagnoses were acquired in 327 nodules after surgery and clinico-radiological follow-up. The AUS group and FLUS group were compared in terms of US features (composition, echogenicity, margin, shape, and calcifications), US diagnosis (probably benign, malignant), malignancy rate, and final malignant histology. RESULTS In univariate and multivariate analysis, the AUS group more frequently had non-circumscribed margins, taller-than-wide shape, and an US diagnosis suggestive for malignancy than the FLUS group did. The risk of malignancy was significantly higher in the AUS group than it was in the FLUS group (51.0% vs.8.1%; p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the presence of a BRAF mutation between the AUS group and the FLUS group (47.6% vs. 4.2%; p < 0.001). Of the patients with malignancy, papillary thyroid carcinoma was found more frequently in the AUS group than in the FLUS group (97.7% vs. 66.7%; p = 0.004). The incidence of follicular thyroid carcinoma was significantly higher in the FLUS group than it was in the AUS group (33.3% vs.1.6%; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION Bethesda System category III subcategorization into AUS and FLUS can be supported by US features. In Bethesda III nodules, US features may further help in predicting a malignant histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunyoung Lee
- 1 Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Hee Shin
- 1 Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Lyun Oh
- 2 Department of Pathology; Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo Yeon Hahn
- 1 Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Seoul, Korea
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50
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Poller DN, Baloch ZW, Fadda G, Johnson SJ, Bongiovanni M, Pontecorvi A, Cochand-Priollet B. Thyroid FNA: New classifications and new interpretations. Cancer Cytopathol 2016; 124:457-66. [PMID: 26914615 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David N Poller
- Department of Pathology, Queen Alexandra Hospital, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Zubair W Baloch
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Guido Fadda
- Cytopathology Section, Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Catholic University, Foundation Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Sarah J Johnson
- Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Division of Endocrinology, Catholic University, Foundation Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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