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Incidental carcinoma of the thyroid
Angela Pezzolla1, Rinaldo Marzaioli1, Serafina Lattarulo1
1Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation, University of Bari, Policlinico di Bari, P.zza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari, Italy.
International Journal of Surgery (London, England)
|May 29, 2014
Summary
Incidental thyroid carcinoma is frequently diagnosed after surgery for benign thyroid conditions. Fine needle aspiration is crucial for diagnosis, as most incidental cases are small, non-aggressive microcarcinomas.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Incidental thyroid carcinoma is often discovered during surgery for benign thyroid conditions.
- Accurate preoperative diagnosis is challenging, with fine needle aspiration (FNA) being the primary diagnostic tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of incidental thyroid carcinoma in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for benign disease.
- To characterize the nature and behavior of incidentally discovered thyroid carcinomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 455 patients who underwent thyroidectomy.
- Histopathological examination of surgical specimens.
- Review of preoperative diagnostic procedures, including Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA).
Main Results:
- 11% of patients operated for benign thyroid disease were found to have incidental thyroid carcinoma.
- The majority (57.5%) of incidental carcinomas were microcarcinomas.
- No recurrences were observed in patients with incidental carcinomas during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is essential for suspecting and diagnosing thyroid carcinoma preoperatively.
- Incidental thyroid carcinomas are often small, biologically indolent microcarcinomas.
- Surgical management for benign thyroid disease can lead to the detection of non-aggressive incidental cancers.
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