Molecular analysis of fine-needle aspiration cytology in thyroid disease: where are we?

gnorimies2015 shared this article with you from Inoreader Molecular analysis of fine-needle aspiration cytology in thyroid disease: where are we? Via Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery - Published Ahead-of-Print Purpose of review The prevalence of thyroid nodules in the general population is high but only about 5% are malignant lesions. Cytology is usually appropriate to rule out malignancy in sonographically suspicious nodules but in many cases, reports are indeterminate. Molecular testing is a more recent approach to rule out malignancy and guide subsequent management. Recent findings Although several different molecular testing approaches have proven useful in reducing unnecessary surgery, there are still several remaining issues, such as the possible occurrence of RAS mutations (which are difficult to interpret in clinical management) and the role of molecular analysis in specific histotypes, such as Hürthle cell carcinomas. Furthermore, conclusive evidence is lacking regarding the cost-effectiveness and appropriateness of surgical options following molecular tests. Summary To be useful in clinical practice, molecular tests should be applied to appropriate candidates. In truly uncertain thyroid nodules in which diagnostic surgery may be considered, molecular testing may change the clinical approach and 'save' a number of thyroids. Correspondence to Cosimo Durante, MD, PhD, Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale e di Precisione, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, I-00161 Rome, Italy. Tel: +39 06 49975133; e-mail: cosimo.durante@uniroma1.it Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.