High prevalence of parvovirus B19 infection in patients with thyroid nodules: A case-control study

BackgroundThe incidence of thyroid nodules has increased dramatically in recent decades.Although this increase has been attributed to improved imaging modalities, the question arises as to whether other environmental factors, such as infectious agents are influential.MethodsAdult patients with newly diagnosed papillary thyroid carcinoma, benign thyroid nodules, and healthy euthyroid controls without nodules; were recruited. Various clinical and biochemical parameters including thyroid function tests and serum Parvovirus B19 Ab (IgG) were assessed and compared between groups.ResultsIn this study, data from 364 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, 370 patients with benign thyroid nodules, and 360 healthy euthyroid individuals without nodules were analyzed as a control group. The prevalence of parvovirus B19 infection in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients was 58.8% that was significantly higher than the two groups of benign thyroid nodules (49.2%) and the control group (45.0%). In the papillary thyroid carcinoma group, a significant positive correlation was found between tumor size and TSH (r = 0.129, p = 0.014), and between tumor size and B19-Ab (r = 0.176, p = 0.001).ConclusionThe rate of parvovirus B19 infection was higher in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and benign thyroid nodules than in the control group. Also, patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma had significantly higher rates of B19 infection than those with benign thyroid nodules.     

The association between BRAF V600E mutation and pathological features in PTC

The BRAF ^V600E mutation is a common genetic alteration in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and is associated with some pathological features. The association has been widely reported, but results were inconclusive. In this study a meta-analysis was done to explore the association between BRAF^V600E mutation and pathological features in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Medline, PubMed and Web of Science were searched. A total of 69 studies that included 14,170 PTC patients were identified. The outcomes were from 2004 to October 2013. STATA12.0 software package was used to analyze the data. The result was assessed based on pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). The results showed that the BRAF ^V600E mutation was associated with extra-thyroidal extension (OR = 2.09, 95 % CI = 1.69–2.58), advanced TNM stage (OR = 1.90, 95 % CI = 1.62–2.22), lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.68, 95 % CI = 1.41–2.01), multifocality (OR = 1.22, 95 % CI = 1.06–1.40), and recurrence (OR = 2.50, 95 % CI = 1.73–3.59). The meta-analysis suggested the potential roles of BRAF ^V600E mutation in pathological features. BRAF ^V600E might provide prognostic and diagnostic information for papillary thyroid carcinoma.     

Recurrence pattern after conservative surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective

Risk-based treatment represents the optimal management strategy for papillary thyroid carcinoma; however, the optimal extent of thyroidectomy and neck dissection remains controversial. This study aims to clarify the pattern of recurrence after conservative surgery in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 93 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma treated with conservative surgery. We analyzed recurrence rate, recurrence pattern, risk factors for recurrence, salvage treatment, and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients stratified according to risk.

Results

The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the low-risk group compared with the high-risk group (14% vs 34%; p < 0.01). The recurrence pattern also differed between the two groups, with ipsilateral lateral neck recurrence being more common in the low-risk group (9%), while contralateral lateral neck recurrence was more common in the high-risk group (18%). Patients with contralateral thyroid lobe metastasis and/or direct contralateral thyroid lobe invasion showed a significantly higher rate of contralateral lateral neck metastasis than patients negative for both these features. The overall 5-year DFS was 81% in all patients. Advanced T and N classification, large primary tumor (≥4 cm), extrathyroidal invasion, and high-risk group were significantly associated with poorer 5-year DFS in univariate analysis.

Conclusion

Conservative surgery may represent a good treatment option for patients with low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma. Tumor recurrence patterns differ between risk groups, with contralateral thyroid lobe lesions and direct contralateral lobe invasion being risk factors for contralateral lateral neck recurrence.     

Clinicopathologic factors and preoperative ultrasonographic characteristics for predicting central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a single center retrospective study

IntroductionThe treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma remains controversial. Central lymph node metastasis is common in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and it is an important consideration in treatment strategy selection.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate clinicopathologic risk factors and thyroid nodule sonographic characteristics for central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 599 papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients who underwent surgery from 2005 to 2017 at a single institution. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the clinicopathologic factors and preoperative sonographic features of central lymph node metastasis. A receiver-operating characteristic, ROC curve analysis, was performed to identify the efficacy of ultrasonographic features in predicting central lymph node metastasis. A nomogram based on the risk factors was established to predict central lymph node metastasis.ResultsThe incidence of central lymph node metastasis was 22.4%. The univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that gender, age, multifocality, extrathyroidal invasion, and lateral lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for central lymph node metastasis. The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that nodular shape, margin, and calcification were independently associated with central lymph node metastasis. The ROC curve analysis revealed that the combination of shape, margin and calcification had excellent accuracy in predicting central lymph node metastasis. The nomogram was developed based on the identified risk factors for predicting central lymph node metastasis, and the calibration plot analysis indicated the good performance and clinical utility of the nomogram.ConclusionsCentral lymph node metastasis is associated with male gender, younger age (<45 years), extrathyroidal invasion, multifocality and lateral lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients. The ultrasongraphic features, such as irregular shape, ill-defined margin and calcification, may improve the efficacy of predicting central lymph node metastasis. Surgeons and radiologists should pay close attention to the patients who have these risk factors. The nomogram may help guide surgical decision making in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.     

Preoperative subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective

To assess the effect of preoperative subclinical hypothyroidism on prognosis and on the tumour's clinicopathological features at initial diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Materials and methods

328 patients who underwent surgery for PTC between January 2001 and December 2006 were enrolled in this study. Of these, we compared 35 patients with preoperative subclinical hypothyroidism with 257 patients who were euthyroid before the operation, with respect to clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis.

Results

No significant differences were observed in tumour size, extrathyroidal extension, and multifocality between subclinical hypothyroidism and euthyroid patients. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism had a considerably lower percentage of lymph node metastasis than did euthyroid patients (8.6% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.068). Although preoperative subclinical hypothyroidism decreased the risk of lymph node metastasis at 0.313 of odds ratio in the multivariate analysis, its significance was not verified (95% confidence internal, 0.089–1.092; p = 0.068). Patients with preoperative subclinical hypothyroidism tended to have a better prognosis than did preoperative euthyroid patients, for both recurrence (2.9% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.099) and 7-year disease-free survival (97.1% vs. 87.8%, p = 0.079), during the 82-month mean follow-up period. However, even as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration increased, there were no consistent relationships observed between the TSH levels and the prognostic parameters.

Conclusion

We could find neither a consistent positive nor a negative linear relationship between TSH levels and several prognostic parameters, indicating that subclinical hypothyroidism with elevated TSH is not an independent predictor of tumour aggressiveness and poor prognosis in PTC.     

Papillary thyroid carcinoma: Correlations between prognosis,age, and clinicopathological and histomorphological findings

The age influence on the prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma was analyzed in a group of 67 patients. A marked decline in cause-specific survival was found for patients older than 60 years of age at the time of diagnosis. In order to find a tumor-biological explanation of the prognostic difference between patients below and above 60 years of age, several clinicopathological and histomorphological features were analyzed. Tumors from patients older than 60 years of age showed significantly more mitotic activity and nuclear polymorphism, fewer psammoma bodies, and more frequent extrathyroidal invasion and distant metastases. The results indicate that 60 years of age the time of diagnosis may be the “prognostic break-point” for papillary thyroid carcinoma.     

Is molecular testing in patients with low risk papillary thyroid carcinoma justified? A Markovian model

BackgroundCurrent guidelines consider all cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) smaller than 4 cm and without extrathyroidal extension (ETE) and/or lymph node metastases as belonging to the same prognostic group, and therefore the recommendation is for uniform treatment. Xing draws our attention to a small subgroup with Duet Mutations (BRAF E600 and TERT 3636 genes) that are aggressive biologically and should be treated differently. Thus the aim of the present study is to test the validity of this recommendation.MethodsA Markovian Model is used to evaluate the above hypothesis.ResultsA Monte Carlo sensitivity test shows a 5.6 year survival advantage for patients with low-grade PTC, who have the Duet Mutations, and were treated by total thyroidectomy rather than hemithyroidectomy.ConclusionsWe conclude that there is a place for routine molecular tests in low-risk patients with PTC.     

Prognostic importance of vascular invasion in papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The prognostic importance of vascular invasion has not been extensively studied in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the presence of vascular invasion in papillary thyroid carcinoma, even within the thyroid gland, is associated with more aggressive disease at diagnosis and a higher incidence of tumor recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified 410 patients who had been diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer since 1986 who had a follow-up period of longer than 1 year (median follow-up, 5.5 years). Pathology reports were reviewed and patients were separated into 3 groups: no vascular invasion, intrathyroidal vascular invasion, and extrathyroidal vascular invasion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Statistical comparison was performed by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Patients with intrathyroidal vascular invasion were more likely to have distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis (26.1% vs 2.2%, P = .001). Similarly, patients with extrathyroidal vascular invasion had a higher incidence of distant metastases at diagnosis (40% vs 4.4%, P = .02). Patients with tumors identified to have intrathyroidal vascular invasion were more likely to develop distant recurrence (20% vs 3%, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: These associations were found to be independent by multiple regression analysis. Patient age, sex, palpable or fixed lymph nodes, radiation exposure, and race did not differ between the patient group with and those without vascular invasion. Preliminary analysis of our data suggests that the presence of vascular invasion in papillary, thyroid carcinoma, even within the thyroid gland, is associated with more aggressive disease at diagnosis and with a higher incidence of tumor recurrence.     

Manejo de los carcinomas diferenciados de tiroides

Introduction and objectivesRadioiodine is the principal treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinomas. The aim of this study is to present our experience in the management of these tumours.Material and methodWe present a retrospective study of 55 patients operated for differentiated thyroid carcinoma in our hospital between 2007 and 2011.ResultsThe mean age at time of diagnosis was 49 years, and females predominated (78% of cases). Seventy eight percent of the patients were in the initial stages (stages i and ii). The definitive histopathological diagnosis was papillary carcinoma in 84% and follicular carcinoma in the remaining 16%. All of the patients, with the exception of 2 (4%), underwent total thyroidectomy, with lymphadenectomy in 58% of cases. Nine percent of the patients had permanent hypoparathyroidism and although 18% suffered transitory unilateral paralysis, 40% of these female patients had completely recovered after 6 months. Eighty-nine percent of the patients were given radioiodine postoperatively. There was a recurrence rate of 40% most of which was at cervical level (29% of the patients). Survival at 5 years was 87%, 95% of the papillary subtype, falling to 56% of the follicular subtype (P = .001).Discussion/conclusionsThe prognosis for differentiated thyroid carcinomas is excellent after appropriate surgical treatment, thorough preoperative assessment,and strict postoperative follow-up due to the significant recurrence rates.     

Prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis

IntroductionNew evidence suggests that the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes is associated with the prognosis of other carcinoma, but the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma remains controversial.ObjectiveThe objective of this meta-analysis was to clarify the prognostic effectiveness of the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.MethodsAccording to the meta-analysis of the free guide, we searched EMBASE, Pubmed, the Cochrane Library databases. The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients was evaluated using mean standard vehicle and confidence interval. The overall survival, disease-free survival and progression free survival of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were expressed by standard mean carrier method and confidence interval. The risk ratio of 95% confidence interval was used as an evaluation index for patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.ResultsEight studies, including 1780 patients, used a variety of different end values to classify the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (range 1.78–4.0). Among the eight studies that reported risk ratio of the overall survival, the higher median value was 2.72, and 2 of 4 studies reported disease-free survival results. The critical value of ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes and overall survival deterioration (risk ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.43–1.99, p < 0.001), disease-free survival (risk ratio = 2.09, 95% confidence interval 1.62–2.6, p < 0.001) and progression free survival (risk ratio = 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.75–2.10, p < 0.001) was associated with with laryngeal aquamous cell carcinoma. The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes had prognostic value for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.ConclusionThe results of this meta-analysis showed that the increase of neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio was related to poor prognosis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio may serve as a cost-effective prognostic biomarker of poor prognosis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. More high-quality prospective trials are needed to assess the practicability of evaluating the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.     

Incidence and clinical characteristics of prelaryngeal lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer

There is little data that determine the clinical characteristics of prelaryngeal lymph nodes (PLN) metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The aims of this prospective study were to evaluate the incidence and the clinical characteristics of metastasis to the PLN for PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and prophylactic central neck dissection. Sixty-seven patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and prophylactic bilateral central lymph node neck dissection for PTC were enrolled. Central neck compartment was further divided into prelaryngeal, ipsilateral/contralateral paratracheal, and pretracheal regions. Clinicopathologic factors including age, sex, tumor size and location, extrathyroidal extension, and central and lateral nodal metastasis were evaluated. Of the 67 patients who underwent PLN dissection, 13 (19.4 %) had evidence of PLN metastasis. Tumor size was significantly larger in patients with PLN involvement (2.28 versus 1.12 cm; p = 0.020). Additionally, primary tumors larger than 1 cm, extrathyroidal extension, and isthmus involvement were more prevalent in PLN-positive patients. Patients with positive PLNs were also more frequently found to have lateral lymph node metastasis (23.1 vs. 1.9 %; p = 0.021), pretracheal lymph node metastasis (76.9 vs. 27.8 %; p = 0.003), and bilateral central lymph node metastasis (38.5 vs. 11.1 %; p = 0.031) than PTC patients without PLN involvement. The incidence of PLN metastasis in PTC patients who underwent prophylactic central lymph node neck dissection was 19.4 %. PLN metastasis was associated with tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, isthmus involvement, and other compartment lymph node metastasis.     

Clinical impact of cervical lymph node involvement and central neck dissection in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective analysis of 368 cases

The impact of cervical lymph node metastases and the optimal surgical management of the neck in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remain controversial. The objectives of this retrospective study were to determine, in patients with PTC, the predictive factors and the impact on tumor recurrence rate of cervical lymph node involvement, and to evaluate the oncologic results and the morbidity of central neck dissection (CND). We reviewed the records of patients who had undergone surgical treatment for PTC at our institution between 1990 and 2000. A total of 368 patients (86 men and 282 women) were included in this study. Young age (p?=?0.02), tumor size (p?=?0.001) and extrathyroidal tumor extension (p?=?0.003) were significant predictive factors of cervical lymph node metastatic involvement (multivariate analysis). Initial metastatic cervical lymph node involvement was identified as an independent risk factor of tumor recurrence (multivariate analysis, p?=?0.01). Metastatic lymph node(s) were found in prophylactic CND specimens in 31% of the patients. CND increased the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia (p?=?0.008) and of permanent hypoparathyroidism (p?=?0.002). In conclusion, cervical lymph node metastatic involvement at the time of initial surgery is an independent risk factor of tumor recurrence. CND provided an up-staging of more than 30% of patients with a clinically N0 neck, but was associated with significant morbidity regarding parathyroid function.     

Papillary thyroid carcinoma: does the association with Hashimoto's thyroiditis affect the clinicopathological characteristics of the disease?

IntroductionPapillary carcinoma is the most common malignant thyroid neoplasm. The effect of the concurrent presence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and papillary thyroid carcinoma remains controversial.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and clinicopathological parameters in thyroid papillary carcinoma cases, based on an historical institutional cohort analysis.MethodsCross-sectional study obtained from a historical cohort, including all cases submitted to thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma in a single institution during an 11-year period study.ResultsA total of 417 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma were enrolled; 148 (35.4%) also had Hashimoto's thyroiditis. A female predominance among cases associated to Hashimoto's thyroiditis was observed. The thyroid tumor, in cases associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, had a smaller mean diameter, lower frequency of extra-thyroid extension, and earlier clinicopathological staging.ConclusionsA high proportion of papillary thyroid carcinoma cases are associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. There are associations among these cases with several histopathological factors already recognized for their prognostic value, which by themselves could impact outcomes.     

Prognostic factors and overall survival in a 15-year followup of patients with malignant salivary gland tumors: a retrospective analysis of 193 patients

IntroductionMalignant tumors of the salivary glands are uncommon pathological entities, representing less than 5% of head and neck neoplasms. The prognosis of patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands is highly variable and certain clinical factors can significantly influence overall survival.ObjectiveTo analyze the clinicopathologic and sociodemographic characteristics that influence survival in patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glandsMethodsThis retrospective study analyzed sex, age, race, education level, tumor location, tumor size, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, margin status, treatment type, marital status, method of health care access and 15-year overall survival in 193 patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands. The X², log-rank Mantel-Cox, multinomial regression and Cox logistic regression tests were used (SPSS 20.0,p < 0.05).ResultsThe most common histological types were adenocarcinoma (32.1%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (31.1%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (18.7%). The 15-year overall survival rate was 67.4%, with a mean of 116 ± 6 months. The univariate analysis revealed that male sex (p = 0.026), age > 50 years (p  = 0.001), referral origin from the public health system (p  = 0.011), T stage (p =  0.007), M stage (p <  0.001), clinical stage (p <  0.001), compromised surgical margins (p =  0.013), and chemotherapy (p <  0.001) were associated with a poor prognosis. Multivariate analyses also showed that age > 50 years was independently associated with a poor prognosis (p =  0.016). The level of education was the only factor more prevalent in older patients (p =  0.011).ConclusionPatients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands older than 50 years have a worse prognosis and an independent association with a low education level.     

Variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma: association with histopathological prognostic factors

Papillary carcinoma is the most common thyroid malignancy. Many variants of this tumor have been described, with different morphological and molecular characteristics. Although most cases have excellent prognosis, the relationship between tumor architecture and its biological behavior remains controversial.ObjectiveTo present the experience of a single center on the prevalence of thyroid papillary carcinoma variants and their relationship with other histopathological prognostic factors.MethodRetrospective study of all the cases submitted to thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma in the same institution over 11 years.ResultsWe included 517 patients, 81.9% of them were women. The average age was 47.2 years. The variants recognized to have higher aggressiveness potential corresponded to 5.6% of the sample. We found an association of tumor subtypes with greater lesion diameter, T staging, lymphovascular and gland capsule invasion.ConclusionA small percentage of papillary carcinoma cases is represented by variants recognized by their greater potential for aggression. There are associations between these variants and several other histopathological factors already recognized for their prognostic value, which may, by themselves, influence the outcome of these cases.     

Hashimoto's thyroiditis – an independent risk factor for papillary carcinoma

IntroductionThe link between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid carcinoma has long been a topic of controversy.ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of thyroid carcinoma and Hashimoto's thyroiditis coexistence in histopathologic material of thyroidectomized patients.MethodsIn a retrospective study, the clinicohistopathologic data of 2117 patients (1738 females/379 males), who underwent total or partial thyroidectomy for thyroid gland disorder at a single institution from the 1st of January 2005 to the 31st of December 2014 were analyzed.ResultsThyroid carcinoma was detected in 318 cases (15%) and microcarcinoma (thyroid cancer ≤10 mm in diameter) was found in permanent sections in 169 cases (8%). Hashimoto's thyroiditis was detected in 318 (15%) patients. Hashimoto's thyroiditis was significantly more often associated with thyroid carcinoma and microcarcinoma compare to benign condition (p = 0.048, p = 0.00014, respectively). Coexistence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid carcinoma/thyroid microcarcinoma did not affect tumor size (p = 0.251, p = 0.098, respectively), or tumor multifocality (p = 0.831, p = 0.957, respectively). Bilateral thyroid microcarcinoma was significantly more often detected when Hashimoto's thyroiditis was also diagnosed (p = 0.041), but presence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis did not affect bilateral occurrence of thyroid carcinoma (p = 0.731).ConclusionHashimoto's thyroiditis is associated with significantly increased risk of developing thyroid carcinoma, especially thyroid microcarcinoma.     

Better outcome for parotid versus neck metastasis of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a new report on reemerging data

IntroductionRegional metastases of cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma occur in approximately 5 % of cases, being the most important prognostic factor in survival, currently with no distinction between parotid and neck metastasis.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic features among patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma exhibiting regional metastasis.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who underwent parotidectomy and/or neck dissection from 2011 to 2018 at a single institution tertiary center was performed. Patient demographics, clinical, surgical and pathological information, adjuvant treatments, and outcome at last follow-up were collected. Outcomes included disease recurrence and death due to the disease. Prognostic value of clinic pathological features associated with disease-specific survival was obtained.ResultsThirty-eight cases of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with parotid and/or neck metastasis were identified. Overall, 18 (47.3 %) patients showed parotid metastasis alone, 12 (31.5 %) exhibited neck metastasis alone and 8 (21.0 %) had both. A primary tumor in the parotid zone (Hazard Ratio ? HR = 5.53; p = 0.02) was associated with improved disease-specific survival. Poorer disease-specific survival was observed in patients with higher primary tumor diameter (HR = 1.54; p = 0.002), higher depth of invasion (HR = 2.89; p = 0.02), invasion beyond the subcutaneous fat (HR = 5.05; p = 0.002), neck metastasis at first presentation (HR = 8.74; p < 0.001), number of positive lymph nodes (HR = 1.25; p = 0.004), and higher TNM stages (HR = 7.13; p = 0.009). Patients presenting with isolated parotid metastasis during all follow-ups had better disease-specific survival than those with neck metastasis or both (HR = 3.12; p = 0.02).ConclusionHead and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with parotid lymph node metastasis demonstrated better outcomes than cases with neck metastasis.     

Well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Purpose: This study presents our experience with 728 patients treated in our department for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma between 1954–1994.Materials and Methods: The retrospective evaluation of the prognostic implications of the clinical and pathological findings was performed. Age, sex, histological variants, tumor size, and locoregional and distant spread were evaluated as risk factors in relation to the prognosis.Results: During follow-up, which ranged from 1 to 31 years, 125 locoregional and/or distant metastases developed (17.2% of the patients), 87 of which occurred in the first 10 years after initial therapy. Thirty-two patients with papillary cancer and 20 with follicular cancer died of causes related to malignancy of the thyroid.Conclusion: The experience gained in our department has led us to adopt an aggressive approach in the treatment of patients with well-differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid gland.     

Pediatric thyroid nodules: A single center experience

Objectives1. Analyze our center's experience with thyroid nodules. 2. Evaluate the efficacy of fine needle biopsy. 3. Compare our experience with the 2015 ATA guidelines.MethodsIRB approved retrospective chart review from July 1993–July 2014 at a tertiary pediatric institution. Patients under age 21 with documented thyroid nodules who underwent fine needle aspiration, and/or thyroidectomy were included.Results126 patients were identified. 84.1% (n = 106) were female. Age range was 12 months–20 years. The average age was 13.3 ± 4.1 years. The nodules ranged from 0.5 cm to 6 cm 53.9% (n = 68) had a fine needle biopsy done. 42.6% (n = 29) fine needle biopsies were benign, 26.5% (n = 18) were non-diagnostic, 13.2% (n = 9) were classified as “atypia”, 0.09% (n = 6) were consistent with thyroiditis, and 0.09% (n = 6) were suspicious for papillary carcinoma.78.6% (n = 99) underwent surgery. 7 patients with “benign” needle biopsies underwent surgery: all had follicular adenoma. 7 patients with “atypia” needle biopsies underwent surgery: one patient had papillary thyroid cancer. 8 patients with non-diagnostic needle biopsies underwent surgery: one patient had papillary thyroid cancer. All the patients with needle biopsy suspicious for papillary carcinoma had papillary carcinoma on final pathology.99 patients underwent surgery: 14.1% (n = 14) had papillary carcinoma and 2% (n = 2) had medullary carcinoma.ConclusionOur review of pediatric thyroid nodules at our institution supports data previously reported. 84% of identified patients were female, supporting previous data that nodules are more prevalent in the female population. Of the 126 patients identified, 12.7% had thyroid carcinoma, supporting the 7–25% range described in previous literature. Our institution showed a high positive predictive value of FNA for papillary thyroid carcinoma.     

Limitations of ultrasound in predicting bilaterality vs unilaterality of well-differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of ultrasonography in the differentiation of a bilateral and a unilateral WDTC to help physicians decide on performing a total or a partial thyroidectomy.Materials and methodsRetrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma following a total thyroidectomy or a complete thyroidectomy between January 2013 and December 2015 at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in Soroka University Medical Center in southern Israel. The preoperative ultrasound images of the thyroid were compared to the final pathology in the contralateral lobe.ResultsSeventy seven patients (77) were included in this study, There was no correlation between the sonography in the contralateral lobe and the malignancy on that side (p = 0.479). US had a 39% false negative rate and 69% false positive rate.ConclusionThe patients with a well-differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid, a benign nodule detected sonographically in the contralateral lobe should not bear a high weight in decision making regarding the extent of surgery.