Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2025
03:55
Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
562
Updates from Our Institutional Experience with Thyroid Nodules Diagnosed as Metastases
Esther Diana Rossi1, Carmine Bruno2, Pietro Tralongo1
1Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, "Agostino Gemelli" School of Medicine, 00168 Rome, Italy.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 29, 2023
Summary
Thyroid metastases are rare but crucial to diagnose. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with immunocytochemistry (ICC) aids in distinguishing these from primary thyroid cancers, guiding appropriate treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Thyroid metastases (TMs) are uncommon, found in 0-24% of autopsy series.
- Accurate differentiation between primary and metastatic thyroid lesions is vital for patient management.
- Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), complemented by immunocytochemistry (ICC) and molecular testing, is key for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of FNAC and ancillary techniques in diagnosing thyroid metastases.
- To analyze the types and origins of thyroid metastases diagnosed via FNAC.
- To assess the effectiveness of diagnostic strategies in guiding treatment for TMs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of TMs diagnosed via FNAC between 2014 and 2023.
- Utilized liquid-based cytology (LBC) for sample processing.
- Applied ICC and molecular testing on LBC-stored material for enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
Main Results:
- Identified TMs in 2.2% of 1022 malignancy cases.
- Predominant TMs originated from kidney (8 clear cell renal carcinomas), followed by lung (3) and breast (2).
- ICC confirmed diagnoses in 100% of cases; most TMs presented as multifocal nodules.
Conclusions:
- FNAC with ancillary techniques effectively diagnoses TMs, preventing unnecessary surgeries.
- Kidney, lung, and breast carcinomas are the most common sources of TMs.
- TMs are often multifocal and part of systemic disease, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches.
