Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
07:52
A Novel Technique for Raman Analysis of Highly Radioactive Samples Using Any Standard Micro-Raman Spectrometer
Published on: April 12, 2017
12.9K
Clinical Use of Raman Spectroscopy Improves Diagnostic Accuracy for Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules
Andrea Palermo1,2, Armida Sodo3, Anda Mihaela Naciu1
1Unit of Metabolic Bone and Thyroid Disorders, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200 - 00128 Roma, Italy.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 14, 2022
Summary
Raman spectroscopy (RS) accurately diagnoses thyroid nodules from fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies. This method improves indeterminate nodule management and significantly reduces unnecessary surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Spectroscopy
- Oncology
- Diagnostic Cytopathology
Background:
- Thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) molecular analysis aids indeterminate nodule management.
- Raman spectroscopy (RS) distinguishes benign and malignant thyroid tissues based on structural profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of Raman spectroscopy (RS) on thyroid FNA biopsies.
- To assess RS as an alternative to molecular studies for indeterminate thyroid nodules.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, blinded, single-center study enrolled 123 patients with indeterminate to malignant cytologic diagnoses (TIR3A-TIR5).
- RS analysis was performed on FNA specimens.
- RS data were compared with cytologic findings and histologic assessments (reference standard).
Main Results:
- RS demonstrated an overall specificity of 86.8% for predicting thyroid malignancy in FNA samples.
- Specificity was 86.5% in indeterminate cytologic categories, increasing with higher ultrasound risk (87.5% for TIR3A, 100% for TIR3B).
- RS testing reduced unnecessary surgeries to 7.4% overall.
Conclusions:
- Raman spectroscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool for thyroid cytology.
- RS serves as a valid alternative to molecular studies for managing indeterminate thyroid nodules.
- RS application can decrease the rate of unnecessary surgeries.
