Incidental thyroid carcinoma in patients with Graves' disease

BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of incidental thyroid carcinoma in patients with Graves' disease is uncertain. METHODS: The prevalence of incidental thyroid carcinoma was determined in patients with Graves' disease who underwent surgery from 1990 to 2007 and was compared with patients with nontoxic nodular goiter or toxic multinodular goiter who underwent surgery during the same time period. RESULTS: Of the 93 patients who underwent thyroidectomy for Graves' disease, 2 patients (2.2%) had an incidental papillary carcinoma: .4 and .5 cm in size. Neither patient developed recurrent disease after 3 and 13 years of follow-up evaluation. The prevalence of incidental thyroid cancer was 3.6% and 6.2% in patients with nontoxic nodular goiter and toxic multinodular goiter, respectively (P = not significant). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of incidental thyroid carcinoma in patients with Graves' disease is comparable with patients with nontoxic or toxic goiter. Incidental thyroid carcinomas in patients with Graves' disease were papillary microcarcinomas of no clinical consequence.     

甲状腺峡部乳头状癌手术切除范围探讨

目的 探讨甲状腺峡部乳头状癌手术切除的范围。方法 回顾性分析上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院和远洋分院自2007年1月至2011年12月收治的28例甲状腺峡部乳头状癌的临床资料。结果 28例中20例（71.43%）双侧中央区淋巴结均发现转移,8例（28.57%）双侧中央区淋巴结未发现转移。13例术前伴双侧甲状腺多发结节者,9例结节性甲状腺肿,4例慢性淋巴细胞性甲状腺炎伴结节性甲状腺肿,其中1例发现微小癌。3例术前伴一侧多发结节者,为结节性甲状腺肿。术后有3例出现暂时性声嘶,7例发生暂时性低钙血症。结论　甲状腺峡部乳头状癌行双侧中央区淋巴结清扫是必要的;对伴双侧甲状腺多发结节者,同时行甲状腺全切除术;但对仅峡部单发癌结节或一侧腺叶多发结节者,行双侧甲状腺次全切或结节侧腺叶切除及对侧无结节侧腺叶次全切,以减少术后并发症。     

甲状腺结节微小钙化灶与甲状腺癌关系的探讨

目的探讨甲状腺结节微小钙化灶与甲状腺癌的关系。方法回顾性分析2003年1月-2011年12月在我院进行手术治疗的251例甲状腺结节并钙化灶患者的超声检查和病理资料。结果251例中,良性病变122例（48．6％）,包括结节性甲状腺肿118例,非特异性甲状腺炎4例;甲状腺癌129例（51．4％）,其中乳头状癌123例,滤泡状癌4例,髓样癌1例,未分化癌1例。甲状腺结节合并微小钙化是否为甲状腺癌与患者性别并无明显相关（56．0％ vs．50．1％,P〉0．05）;但最终确诊为甲状腺癌者在〈45岁的患者中高于345岁组（66．7％ vs．36．7％）,单发结节组高于多发结节组（68．6％ vs．47．0％）,结节血运丰富组高于非血运丰富组（59．2％ vs．23．6％）,微小钙化组高于非微小钙化组（81．2％ vs．37．4％）,差异均具有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论超声发现的甲状腺结节微小钙化高度提示甲状腺恶性肿瘤,应积极处理。     

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??Discussion of the operative methods for papillary thyroid carcinoma in isthmus SHAO Tang-lei*??WANG Yang??WU Zhi-hao??et al. *Department of Surgery??Ruijin Hospital??Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine??Shanghai 200025??China
Corresponding author??YANG Wei-ping??E-mail??yangweipingmd@126.com
Abstract Objective To discuss the operative methods for papillary thyroid carcinoma in isthmus. Methods The clinical data of 28 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma in isthmus treated from January 2007 to December 2011 at Ruijin Hospital and Yuanyang Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine were analyzed retrospectively. Results The metastasis of bilateral central lymph nodes was found in 20 of 28 cases??71.43%??. No metastasis of bilateral central lymph nodes was found in 8 of 28 cases??28.57%??. Among 13 cases of preoperative bilateral multiple thyroid nodules, 9 cases had nodular goiter and 4 cases had chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis accompanied with bilateral nodular goiter including 1 case of thyroid microcarcinoma. Three cases of preoperative unilateral multiple nodules had nodular goiter. There were transient vocal hoarseness in 3 cases and transient hypocalcemia in 7 cases. Conclusion Bilateral central lymph node dissection is essential for papillary thyroid carcinoma in isthmus. Total thyroidectomy should be performed for bilateral multiple thyroid nodular. For single nodule in isthmus or multiple nodules in unilateral lobe, bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy or lobectomy in the nodular lobe and the subtotal lobectomy in the normal should be performed to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.     

分化型甲状腺微小癌的诊断和治疗：附138例报道

目的:探讨分化型甲状腺微小癌(TMC)的临床特征与诊治疗经验。方法:回顾分析2007年1月—2013年12月间经手术及病理证实138例分化型TMC患者的临床资料,并与2012年1月—2013年12月间29例怀疑甲状腺恶性肿瘤而手术的良性甲状腺结节(BTN)患者资料对比分析。结果:138例TMC中,微小乳头状癌131例,微小滤泡状癌5例,微小混合型癌2例;49例合并结节性甲状腺肿,5例与结节性甲状腺肿和桥本甲状腺炎共存,7例合并桥本甲状腺炎,2例合并甲状腺功能亢进。与BTN患者比较,TMC患者中TI-RADS分级恶性诊断率明显升高、砂砾钙化率、超声造影检查中的恶性诊断率均明显升高(均P0.05)。所有TMC患者均行术中快速病理检查,患侧甲状腺全切84例,患侧甲状腺全切+对侧甲状腺部分切除46例,双侧甲状腺全切5例,患侧甲状腺全切+对侧甲状腺近全切除3例;85例患者行患侧中央区气管旁淋巴结清扫,3例患者加行患侧功能性颈部淋巴结清扫术。术后均终生服用甲状腺素片。结论:高分辨率彩超、TI-RADS分级及超声造影联合应用可提高甲状腺TMC诊断率,TMC多为分化好的乳头状癌,高钙化率,患侧腺叶加峡部切除同时行患侧中央区淋巴结清扫是其主要的手术方式。     

Thyroid surgery at Children's Hospital Boston: a 35-year single-institution experience

Background/Purpose

Thyroidectomy is the primary therapy for thyroid cancer and an established treatment of hyperthyroidism. Because of the relative rarity of these conditions in childhood, few single-institution series exist in the pediatric literature. Here we analyze our institution's experience to assess patient demographics, operative risks, and the role of preoperative testing.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of 175 consecutive patients not older than 18 years who underwent thyroid surgery at Children's Hospital Boston from 1970 to 2004.

Results

The most common indication for thyroidectomy was thyroid nodules (83%), followed by hyperthyroidism (7%) and goiter (7%). For children referred for nodules, we observed a peak incidence in adolescence and a female to male ratio of 3.7:1. Cancer was found in 36%, with papillary thyroid cancer the most common subtype (85%). Operative complications were rare, with permanent hypocalcemia in 2 (4.7%) of 43 patients who underwent bilateral resection for thyroid nodules (no cases of permanent hypocalcemia in other procedures). Permanent unilateral vocal cord paralysis was documented in 2 children after the resection of malignant nodules.

Conclusions

Pediatric thyroidectomy can be performed with low operative risk. Because permanent hypocalcemia remains an obligate risk of bilateral thyroidectomy, we recommend the routine use of preoperative fine-needle aspiration to guide the extent of initial surgical resection, reserving near-total thyroidectomy for those cases where cytology is positive for malignancy.     

改良胸前壁入路腔镜手术治疗甲状腺疾病：附66例报告

目的 探讨腔镜技术在甲状腺疾病治疗中的临床应用价值.方法 采用胸前壁入路行腔镜甲状腺切除66例,其中甲状腺腺瘤7例,结节性甲状腺肿55例,甲状腺癌3例,继发性甲亢1例.结果 成功完成手术65例,1例因术中出血中转开放.行单侧次全切除术42例,双侧次全切除术21例,甲状腺癌3例中行单侧腺叶加峡部切除2例,甲状腺全切1例.手术时间94(50～180)min,术中出血量21(10～200)mL,住院天数9(5～19)d.无神经损伤及甲状旁腺误切等严重并发症.随访1～11个月,均无复发(包括3例甲状腺癌).结论 腔镜甲状腺手术具有安全有效、创伤小、恢复快的优点,可作为甲状腺良性病变治疗的首选治疗手段.     

全甲状腺切除在甲状腺良性结节治疗中应用及评价

甲状腺结节临床常见,尽管大部分为良性,但有手术指征时应行手术治疗,手术方式主要包括腺叶切除、甲状腺次全切除和全（近全）甲状腺切除等。甲状腺良性结节的手术方式目前尚存争议,若切除范围过小,结节复发风险增加,可能须再次手术;切除范围过大,则可能增加喉返神经损伤及甲状旁腺功能减退等并发症发生风险。全甲状腺切除因其能彻底切除病变,降低复发风险,避免再次手术,且并发症无明显增加,已成为国外治疗结节性甲状腺肿等良性甲状腺结节的首选术式。在我国,应综合考虑医生的技术水平、病人的个体情况及意愿等因素,可以考虑对具有手术指征的双叶甲状腺良性结节采用全甲状腺切除术。     

First bilateral non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) co-occurring with bilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Case report and literature review

IntroductionNon-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like features (NIFTP) is a recently characterized lesion with very low malignant potential. This has allowed for less aggressive management of this tumor subtype. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has malignant potential and requires different considerations in management.Presentation of caseA 33-year-old woman presented to our Thyroid Surgery Clinic with a left neck swelling slowly enlarging over 4 years, and recent right-sided neck pain. Neck ultrasound and fine needle aspiration for cytology found bilateral thyroid nodules, labelled as ‘follicular lesion of undetermined significance’ (FLUS). Final pathology report after total thyroidectomy identified four distinct tumors: bilateral NIFTP lesions and bilateral papillary microcarcinomas.DiscussionManagement of NIFTP comprises partial or total thyroidectomy without further intervention. Management of PTC is the same but with the possible addition of radioactive ablation due to the increased malignant potential. This is the first report of bilateral NIFTP lesions and bilateral papillary microcarcinomas co-occurring together in the same patient, so management was challenging. The decision was made to give the patient low dose radioactive iodine ablation and continue monitoring. Ultrasound of the neck follow up 6 months later showed no residual thyroid tissue or local recurrence.ConclusionAlthough rare, NIFTP can co-occur with PTC. Bilateral NIFTP with bilateral PTC is extremely rare. Surgeons and pathologists need to be aware of this rare entity that can co-occur in both thyroid lobes. Total thyroidectomy is the definitive treatment. Post-surgery surveillance is important and follow up needs to be watchful for any recurrence or metastasis.     

结节性甲状腺肿合并分化型甲状腺癌诊断与治疗

目的：探讨结节性甲状腺肿合并分化型甲状腺癌的临床特点及诊治原则。 方法：回顾性分析2003年10月—2011年10月收治的47例结节性甲状腺肿合并分化型甲状腺癌的临床资料。 结果：患者均表现为颈部包块或颈部增粗,术前B超显示结节伴细沙粒样钙化者19例（40.43%）。47例患者均行手术治疗,术后经病理学检查确诊为分化型甲状腺癌（其中乳头状癌36例,占76.60%;滤泡样癌11例,占23.40%）,手术方式包括：患侧腺叶+峡部全切术+VI区淋巴结清扫;两侧腺叶+峡部全切术+VI区淋巴结清扫;颈部淋巴结肿大、转移者加行改良颈清扫术。术后均给予左旋甲状腺素片治疗。47例患者术后随访6~36个月,平均为（15.6±8.9）个月,3例分别于术后16~33个月复发,再次手术,效果良好。全组无死亡病例。 结论：结节性甲状腺肿合并甲状腺癌术前诊断困难,术前超声检查可提供可考依据,术中快速冷冻切片病理学检查是提高甲状腺癌检出率的关键;个体化、精细规范的手术治疗对结节性甲状腺肿合并分化型甲状腺癌有良好的治疗效果。     

Suspicious thyroid nodules 4 cm require a diagnostic lobectomy regardless of their benign fine needle aspiration results

Background/objectiveThe diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) seems limited in large thyroid nodules with Bethesda Cat. 2 result. We aimed to determine the incidence of carcinoma with benign cytology and the reason for the high false-positive rate in thyroid nodules ≥4 cm.MethodsThe records of 103 patients with thyroid nodules ≥4 cm with preoperative cytological diagnosis of Bethesda Cat. 2 who underwent thyroidectomy were consecutively reviewed. Characteristics between patients with malignant vs. benign pathology were compared.ResultsForty patients (38.8%) had malignancy. Malignancy was subclassified into follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (43%), minimally invasive follicular thyroid carcinoma (20.0%), and minimally invasive Hurthle cell thyroid carcinoma (10.9%). Patients with malignant cytology had significantly more suspicious ultrasound findings than those with benign cytology (p = 0.001).ConclusionsPreoperative FNAB showed high false-negative rates in patients with thyroid nodules ≥4 cm with benign cytology. These nodules have a high malignancy rate with suspicious ultrasound findings.     

Thyroidectomy or radioiodine? The value of ultrasonography and cytology in the assessment of nodular lesions in Graves' hyperthyroidism

Although diffuse toxic goiter is a classical feature of Graves' disease (GD) nodular goiters are occasionally found in some patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ultrasonographic and corresponding cytological manifestations in GD patients with nodular lesions to decide on a therapeutic strategy. Twenty-seven consecutive GD patients with nodular goiter were included in this study (21 women and six men, mean age 41.2 years, range 22-77 years). All underwent thyroid ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology. Of the 27 patients eight underwent surgical intervention because papillary thyroid carcinoma or follicular neoplasm was diagnosed by cytology; five of these were shown to have papillary thyroid carcinomas. Ultrasonography revealed the malignant nodules to be hypoechogenic, heterogeneous, and with ill-defined margins in four of these five thyroid cancers, whereas the remaining sonogram showed a cystic change and cauliflower-like tumor formation with microcalcification. The volume and maximal diameter of cancerous nodules were significantly larger than those of benign nodules. In conclusion our results reveal that ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology are reliable and quick methods for diagnosing nodular goiters in GD patients. If thyroid neoplasms are found ablative therapy with thyroidectomy is indicated instead of radioactive iodine.     

剥离法在改良Miccoli术中的应用体会

目的探讨剥离法在内镜辅助下经颈部小切口行甲状腺切除术（改良Miccoli术）中的应用价值。方法对39例甲状腺良性疾病患者采用剥离法内镜辅助下颈部小切口甲状腺切除术。按传统Miccoli术方式切开、建腔、显露,按剥离法要求游离、超声刀离断腺体,切除病灶。甲状腺瘤12例,其中11例行单侧甲状腺部分切除,1例行单纯峡部肿物切除;结节性甲状腺肿27例,其中13例行双侧甲状腺部分切除7,例行一侧腺叶大部切除加一侧肿瘤切除,5例双侧腺叶大部切除,2例单侧腺叶全切。结果 39例手术均顺利完成,手术切口平均2.4（1.5～3.0）cm,无中转开放手术;手术时间平均59.6（30～135）min;术中出血17.6（10～60）ml;术后第1 d引流量平均8（6～10）ml;术后住院时间平均4.2（3～6）d。术后术野皮下炎性肿胀3例,无喉返神经损伤或甲状旁腺功能低下等并发症。术后均获随访,平均10（6～12）个月,患者局部不适感轻微,颈部瘢痕不明显,美容效果好,复查甲状腺超声未见复发。结论在改良Miccoli术中采用剥离法手术策略简便、安全,并发症少,值得推广。     

彩色多普勒在甲状腺结节诊断中的应用

目的:评估彩色多普勒在甲状腺结节诊断中的应用价值。方法:选取术后病理证实的结节性甲状腺肿150例和甲状腺癌151例,回顾性分析其术前超声图像特征。结果:150例结节性甲状腺肿与151例甲状腺癌的超声图像在结节数量、有无沙砾样钙化、内部回声、血流分布方面有统计学差异(P0.05),而在边界是否清晰方面无统计学意义(P0.05)。甲状腺恶性结节在结节数量、边界是否清晰、有无沙砾样钙化、内部回声、血流分布方面的相对危险度分别为11.78、0.72、12.20、58.90、41.53。结论:应用彩色多普勒,可以对结节良恶性进行鉴别诊断,从而为制定治疗方案提供有价值的信息。     

Parapharyngeal lymph node metastasis: an unusual presentation of papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Parapharyngeal space nodal metastases are usually secondary to malignancies of the pharynx and sinonasal tract, although localization of lymphomas is also possible. Parapharyngeal metastases arising from thyroid papillary carcinoma are instead an exceedingly rare event, with only 10 cases reported up to now in the literature. METHODS: We describe two cases of parapharyngeal metastasis from thyroid papillary carcinoma in a man and a woman, aged 40 and 52 years, respectively. RESULTS: Both patients had a lesion that clinically appeared to be located in the parapharyngeal space; they underwent CT and MRI, which detected a cystic mass in the poststyloid compartment. In the first patient, fine-needle aspiration cytology failed in identifying the histologic nature of the lesion, which was excised through a transcervical approach. A diagnosis of metastatic thyroid papillary carcinoma was rendered and therefore the patient underwent total thyroidectomy. In the second patient, a total thyroidectomy, previously scheduled for multinodular goiter, was performed along with the removal of the parapharyngeal mass. Definitive histologic findings revealed that the two parapharyngeal masses were cystic metastases from a thyroid papillary carcinoma. Both patients received postoperative 131I treatment. Twenty-four months after surgery, the first patient is free of disease, whereas the second one has clear signs of abnormal 131I uptake in the lungs. CONCLUSIONS: The differential diagnosis of a parapharyngeal poststyloid mass should also include metastasis from thyroid papillary carcinoma. When the lesion displays a cystic appearance on imaging, it is advisable to rule out a thyroid primary by ultrasonographic examination. The occurrence of a metastasis in such unusual site, even though rarely reported, does not seem to significantly affect the prognosis of the disease.     

Morbidity of prophylactic lymph node dissection in the central neck area in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma

The benefits of prophylactic central neck dissection (PCND) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have not been clearly demonstrated so far and should be weighed against the potential risks of the procedure. The aim of the study was to assess the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid risks of PCND after total thyroidectomy in patients with PTC and to compare the results with those obtained in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy only. Methods: We selected 100 patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy: 50 for nontoxic benign multinodular goiter (Group 1) and 50 for PTC (Group 2). Patients with PTC had no evidence of macroscopic lymph node invasion during surgery and underwent, in addition to the total thyroidectomy, a PCND. All of the 100 patients were operated on by two experienced endocrine surgeons. All patients had pre- and postoperative investigations of vocal cord movements. Calcemia and phosphoremia were systematically evaluated preoperatively and on day 1 and day 2 after surgery. All patients presenting a postoperative calcemia below 1.90 mmol/l were considered to present an early postoperative hypoparathyroidism and received calcium-vitamin D therapy. The hypoparathyroidism was considered permanent when calcium-vitamin D therapy was still necessary 1 year after surgery. Results: None of the patients presented permanent nerve palsy. There were three cases of transient nerve palsy (6%) in Group 1 and two (4%) in Group 2. In Group 1 there was no permanent hypoparathyroidism and four cases of transient hypoparathyroidism (8%). In Group 2, seven patients presented transient hypoparathyroidism (14%) and two patients (4%) remained with definitive hypoparathyroidism. Conclusion: After total thyroidectomy for PTC, PCND does not increase recurrent laryngeal nerve morbidity but it is responsible for a high rate of hypoparathyroidism, especially in the early postoperative course. Even taking into account the possible benefits, the results make it difficult to advocate PCND as a routine procedure in all patients presenting a PTC. Received: 27 January 1998     

Standard-radical vs. function-preserving surgery of benign nodular goiter—a sonographic and biochemical 10-year follow-up study

Background  The necessary extent of thyroid resection in benign nodular goiter is under debate. The aim of our study was to compare the long-term outcome of different thyroid resection modes with special interest in the incidence of recurrent nodules and the use of oral thyroid hormone medication. Materials and methods  We performed a follow-up examination of 109 patients (23 men and 86 women) having been operated for benign nodular goiter at our department 10 years ago. Unilateral resections and function-preserving resections of at least one thyroid lobe were classified as function-preserving (FP). Total thyroidectomy, Dunhill’s operation and bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy were rated as standard-radical (STR). On follow-up, we recorded current oral thyroid hormone medication, thyroid function tests and ultrasound of the neck. Results  Seventy-three patients had FP resection (67%), while 36 were STR-operated (33%). The subsequent medical treatment was performed by dedicated endocrinologists (n = 19), internists (n = 11) or primary-care physicians (n = 59). Twenty patients had no medical attendance. Recurrent nodules were found in 13 cases in the FP group (18.6%) vs. 3 cases in the STR group (2.5%; p < 0.001). In both groups, about 80% of patients used thyroid hormone medication 10 years after operation. Conclusion  There was no advantage in thyroid function tests nor lesser medication in the FP group. The risk for recurrent nodules was significantly higher in the FP than in the STR-operated patients. The data of this study have been presented in oral form at the Meeting of the German Endocrine surgeons (CAEK 2006 Duisburg) and at the German Surgical congress (Munich 2007).     

甲状腺良性结节手术后复发的再治疗

目的 探讨甲状腺良性结节手术后复发的相关因素和再治疗原则。方法 对我院18年中51例甲状腺良性结节手术后临床复发者的病理、手术适应证、术式以及再治疗进行回顾性分析。结果 甲状腺良性结节手术后复发与病变性质、单发或多发、手术适应证的掌握及术式的选择密切相关。51例复发者中结节性甲状腺肿29例,甲状腺瘤22例;其中行结节摘除21例,腺叶部分切除16例,一侧腺叶次全切除9例,一侧腺叶切除5例。再手术38例,行一侧腺叶切除19例,一侧叶切加对侧次全切除3例,一侧次全切除7例,双侧次全切除9例;无严重手术并发症。随访32例再手术者,平均7年,仅1例结节性甲状腺肿再复发。结论 对甲状腺瘤和结节性甲状腺肿的正确诊断、明确病变的单发或多发,严格掌握多发性结节性甲状腺肿的手术适应证,并废弃结节摘除和腺叶部分切除术可降低复发率和再手术率。     

Hyalinizing trabecular adenoma--an uncommon thyroid tumor frequently misdiagnosed as papillary or medullary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Hyalinizing trabecular adenoma (HTA) is an uncommon benign thyroid tumor that can present as a solitary thyroid nodule, a prominent nodule in a multinodular goiter, or as an incidental finding in a thyroidectomy specimen. The clinical significance of the lesion is that it is frequently misdiagnosed as papillary carcinoma on fine-needle aspiration cytology or as papillary or medullary carcinoma on histopathological section. We reviewed our recent experience with 7 patients diagnosed with HTA. METHODS: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 7 patients presenting with a solitary thyroid nodule (n = 4) or a multinodular goiter (n = 3). The patients underwent total thyroidectomy (n = 6) or hemithyroidectomy (n = 1). RESULTS: In 4 patients, the preoperative cytology was suggestive of papillary carcinoma, in 2 patients suspicious, and in 1 patient positive for papillary carcinoma. On histopathological section, 2 patients had a microscopic HTA, 2 patients had HTA in 1 or 2 nodules of a multinodular goiter, and 3 patients had HTA in a solitary nodule. Except in 1 patient, who had a microscopic focus (3.2 mm) of papillary carcinoma, there was no evidence of malignancy in the surgical specimens on permanent histopathological section. CONCLUSIONS: Although HTA is a rare condition of the thyroid, the surgeon needs to be aware of this entity to be able to better discuss the pathological findings with the patient, particularly since some pathologists and endocrinologists believe that HTA may represent a malignant neoplasm of low metastatic potential.     

Does frozen section have a role in the intraoperative management of thyroid nodules?

Background: Frozen section in thyroid surgery is used to make an intraoperative pathological diagnosis of malignancy in a thyroid nodule at the time of hemithyroidectomy. A positive diagnosis allows completion of thyroidectomy, thus avoiding reoperation. However, the use of fine needle aspiration cytology in making a preoperative diagnosis of cancer has resulted in the lack of a defined role for frozen section. We examined the role of frozen section as an adjunct to fine needle aspiration cytology in determining which cytological subset will benefit from frozen section. Methods: All patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 1992 and 2000 by a single endocrine surgeon were reviewed. Results: Two hundred and nine frozen sections were performed, of which 144 underwent preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology. Frozen sections reported 135 benign nodules, 59 follicular neoplasms, five specimens with suspicious histology and 10 cancers. Ten out of 20 thyroid cancers were correctly identified by frozen section (sensitivity: 50%; specificity: 100%), eight cancers were reported on frozen section as indeterminate and two benign. Of 144 fine needle aspiration cytological procedures, frozen section on seven suspicious aspirates identified two cancers, and frozen section on 70 follicular aspirates identified four cancers, allowing intraoperative conversions to total thyroidectomy. Frozen section on seven malignant aspirates confirmed four cancers but resulted in reoperation for three because of the indeterminate frozen section reports. There were no cancers found on 135 benign aspirates. Conclusions: Frozen section on benign aspirates is unhelpful in the management of thyroid nodules. It need not be performed for cytologically proven malignant thyroid nodules. Selective use of frozen section complements fine needle aspiration cytology findings of suspicious or follicular lesions, especially in the subset with papillary cancer, allowing one-stage total thyroidectomy.