Preoperative Fine-needle Aspiration Research Articles

Diagnostic value of FNAC combined with BRAFV600E mutation detection in Hashimoto's thyroiditis complicated with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

This study aimed to analyze the effect of preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) combined with BRAFV600E mutation detection as compared to that of fine needle aspiration cytology alone on the diagnostic performance of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) combined with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Patients with thyroid nodules in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, who underwent fine-needle aspiration cytology examination and BRAFV600E mutation detection in the puncture eluate at the outpatient clinic, were selected. Finally, 122 patients received surgical treatment and were included in the study. We used postoperative pathological results as the gold standard. Accordingly, we compared the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of preoperative FNAC alone and FNAC combined with BRAFV600E mutation detection in for the diagnosis of PTC combined with HT. For PTC patients with HT, the sensitivity of FNAC diagnosis was 93.69%, the specificity was 90.90% and the accuracy was 93.44%. However, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FNAC combined with BRAFV600E mutation detection were 97.30%, 90.90% and 96.72%, respectively. Therefore, combined detection can improve the sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosis (p<0.05). FNAC combined with eluent BRAFV600E mutation detection can improve the sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosis of PTC in the background of HT.

Clinicopathologic Features and Cytologic Correlation of ALK-Rearranged Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Series of Eight Cases

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusions are rare in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) but may serve as a therapeutic target. This study aims to evaluate the preoperative cytologic findings and clinicopathologic features of a series of eight ALK-rearranged PTCs from our pathology archives and consultations. All cases were confirmed by ALK D5F3 immunohistochemistry and six with additional targeted RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). The original fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology diagnosis included the Bethesda System (TBS) category II in three (37.5%), TBS III in two (25%), TBS V in two (25%), and TBS VI in one (12.5%). Six cases had available FNA cytology and were reviewed. The cytologic features showed microfollicular architecture as well as limited or reduced nuclear elongation and chromatin alterations in all six. Nuclear grooves and pseudoinclusions were absent in two cases, rarely or focally noted in three, and frequently found in one. Two cases initially diagnosed as TBS II, showing microfollicular architecture without well-developed nuclear features, were revised to TBS III (with architectural atypia only). For histologic correlations, four were infiltrative follicular variant PTCs, three as classic subtype PTC with predominant follicular growth, and one as solid/trabecular subtype PTC. All eight cases demonstrated reduced PTC nuclear features with respect to nuclear elongation and chromatin alterations compared to those typically identified in “BRAF-like” PTCs. The NGS testing revealed EML4::ALK fusion in three, STRN::ALK fusion in two, and ITSN2::ALK fusion in one. In conclusion, although ALK-rearranged PTCs have been associated with neutral gene expression profile from a BRAF-RAS scoring perspective, the “RAS-like” nuclear features were more commonly identified in this series, resulting in frequent indeterminate diagnosis of preoperative FNA.

A RARE CASE OF TENOSYNOVIAL GIANT CELL TUMOR IN PALMAR ASPECT OF RING FINGER OF LEFT HAND

Introduction: Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) is an uncommon benign soft tissue tumor of unknown etiology. It is seen more commonly in hand than ankle and foot. It presents as a painless and palpable swelling. Its diagnosis is mostly established by histopathology after surgical resection, although pre-operative imaging and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) support its suspicion. Herein, a case of GCT of flexor tendon sheath of the right ring finger is reported due to its rarity. Case Report: A 30-year-old female presented with complaints of swelling over the front of the right ring finger for 6months.. The swelling was spontaneous, painless, and very slowly progressive. Examination revealed a 2 cm * 1.5 cm firm swelling situated on the palmar aspect of the right ring finger over proximal inter phalangeal joint. Swelling was well defined, having smooth surface, uniformly firm consistency and could be moved sideways easily. X-ray of the hand showed localized soft tissue shadow in the involved area without any bony involvement. Ultrasonography of the finger showed soft tissue mass.MRI revealed Moderate to intense heterogeneous enhancement suggesting giant cell tumor.. Excisional biopsy was done. Histopathology showed typical features of GCTTS. Conclusion: GCTTS should be kept as a differential diagnosis in soft tissue tumors of hand in adults. FNAC followed by excisional biopsy is diagnostic and curative, but the patient should be followed up for detecting and managing recurrences.

Incidental but Not Insignificant: Thyroid Cancer in Patients with Graves Disease.

Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the US. Treatment with antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine is more commonly used than surgical management with total thyroidectomy (TTx). However, incidentally discovered thyroid cancer (TC) has been described on surgical pathology from patients who underwent surgical treatment of Graves disease, which would be missed with these other treatment strategies. We sought to determine the incidence rate of TC among patients with surgically treated Graves disease. We retrospectively reviewed patients with Graves disease who underwent TTx at a single institution from 2011 to 2023. Pathology reports were reviewed for TC. Patient demographics, preoperative laboratory and radiological evaluations, preoperative medical management, and surgical outcomes were compared between patients with and without incidental TC. There were 934 patients, of whom 60 (6.4%) patients had incidentally discovered TC on pathology. The majority (58.3%) of patients had papillary thyroid carcinoma, followed by 33.3% with papillary microcarcinoma. Preoperative ultrasound (US) was obtained in 564 (60.4%) of patients, with 44.3% with nodules, but only 34 (13.7%) of those with nodules had TC on final pathology. Preoperative fine needle aspiration was obtained in 15 patients with TC, and 8 patients (53.3%) were reported as benign lesions, which ultimately had TC on final pathology. There was no difference in sex, race or ethnicity, preoperative medical management, and postoperative outcomes between the 2 groups. Incidental TC was found on surgical pathology in 6.4% of patients undergoing TTx for Graves disease. Preoperative imaging with US and fine needle aspiration were often unreliable at predicting TC. The incidence of TC should not be underestimated when counseling patients on definitive management for Graves disease.

Diagnostic Difficulties of Plunging Ranula: A Review of 18 Cases.

Despite advancements in imaging techniques and cytological analysis, plunging ranula remains a challenging surgical, radiologic, and pathologic phenomenon. Of the 18 patients we evaluated at our institution, we highlight three cases that illustrate the high rate of misleading imaging and cytological results when assessing plunging ranula. Imaging results, biopsy findings, operative techniques, and pathological reports were reviewed from patients who had either a preoperative or postoperative diagnosis of ranula and underwent surgery by a single head and neck surgeon at a tertiary care center. Of the 18 identified patients, computed tomography was correct on preoperative imaging 73% of the time and magnetic resonance imaging was correct on preoperative imaging 71% of the time. Two patients underwent preoperative ultrasound and their ultrasound reports did not accurately diagnose the presence of a ranula. Two patients underwent preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy due to inconclusive preoperative imaging, in which results suggested either a ranula or epidermal cyst. Both ultimately did not match the final pathology. Three of eighteen patients (17%) underwent an inappropriate initial surgery due to incorrect imaging diagnoses and/or biopsy findings. Despite use of preoperative modalities to distinguish plunging ranula from other cystic floor of mouth lesions, surgeons must be aware that no workup modality is fully precise. The potential for revision surgery must be included in all preoperative discussions for presumed plunging ranula. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:2689-2696, 2024.

Histologic Alterations in Salivary Glands Post Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology – A Diagnostic Challenge

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is used widely in the initial workup and diagnosis of both palpable and deep-seated masses. Salivary glands are among the most commonly aspirated locations in the head and neck area. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, safe and non-invasive ancillary diagnostic method that is relatively atraumatic. However, it can lead to histologic changes that may obscure the underlying pathology or mislead the unwary to render an erroneous diagnosis of malignancy. The tissue changes after FNAC include haemorrhage, squamous cell metaplasia, infarction and necrosis and needle track tumour seeding. Although tissue changes induced by FNAC are rare and account for only 7% and 10 % cases, awareness of these alterations will prevent the pathologist from overestimating the diagnosis. The aim of this review is to emphasize the importance of recognizing the histologic changes induced by FNAC and of obtaining the clinical history of a preoperative FNA procedure to avoid potential misdiagnosis.

Correlation of FNAC with Histopathology in the Diagnosis of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Background: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an important diagnostic tool for differentiating between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of the thyroid. The current study was carried out to observe the comparison between preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and postoperative Histopathology in the diagnosis of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of Pathology, Rajshahi Medical College (RMC), Bangladesh from January 2019 to December 2020. Clinically suspected and diagnosed by FNAC, a total of forty patients of differentiated thyroid carcinoma attending outpatient and inpatient department of Otolaryngology, RMCH were enrolled in this study. Biopsy material was examined for histopathological diagnosis. Results: In this study, out of forty cases, 35 were papillary and 5 were follicular carcinoma. Mean age was 25.48+9.70 years and Male: Female was 1:6. Among 40 cases of FNAC findings, 33 cases (82.5%) were classic papillary carcinoma, 01(2.5%) case was follicular variant of papillary carcinoma, 5 cases were (12.5%) were follicular lesion and 01(2.5%) case was nodular goitre. Among 40 cases of histopathological findings, 32(80%) cases were classic papillary carcinoma, 03(7.5%) were follicular variant of papillary carcinoma and 5 cases were follicular carcinoma. In histopathological findings, none of them was nodular goitre. So, all FNAC findings were consistent with histopathological findings except nodular goitre which was diagnosed as classic papillary carcinoma in histopathology. Conclusion: FNAC is a safe and relatively accurate method for preoperative evaluation of thyroid malignancy before surgery. Therefore it is a reliable diagnostic test for evaluation of thyroid carcinoma. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2022; 14(1): 28-31

Surgical Management of Goiter with Intrathoracic Extension at the Philippine General Hospital Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery

Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with intrathoracic thyroid masses managed surgically in our institution, determine associated factors affecting eventual operative approaches for these patients, and assess postoperative outcomes and complications associated with surgical intervention. Methods: Design: Retrospective descriptive case series Setting:Tertiary National University Hospital Participants: 24 patients Results: The mean age of patients diagnosed with intrathoracic goiters was 55.71 years old, with a 1:1.4 male to female ratio; with most having an intrathoracic extent of Huins Grade 1 (67%) compared to others having Huins Grade 2-3. Majority of patients pre-operatively had a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Bethesda Thyroid Nodule Classification of Category II (benign); 79% of total patients underwent excision of thyroid mass utilizing a transcervical approach alone. As Intrathoracic Extension (ITE) grade increased, additional transthoracic approaches were performed; duration of operation, average estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay was also noted to increase. Majority of post operative surgical histopathology results revealed malignant thyroid masses, in contrast to pre-operative FNA. Post-operative transient hypocalcemia was the most reported immediate complication. Conclusions: Management of intrathoracic goiter is often multidisciplinary. Referral to the thoracic vascular service is warranted for access to the thoracic inlet. Classification by grade of intrathoracic goiters is helpful to determine the most appropriate operative approach and maybe predictive of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Postoperative histopathology across all ITE grades mostly yield malignant results; hence, preoperative FNA results should be used with caution.

Impact of preoperative endoscopic procedures on adverse event rates after surgical resection for main-duct and mixed-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs)

BackgroundMain-duct (MD-) and mixed-type (MT-) IPMNs harbor an increased risk of pancreatic cancer and warrant surgical resection. Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) are important in the diagnosis of IPMNs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether endoscopic procedures manipulating the MD impact postoperative adverse events in patients with MD- and MT-IPMNs. MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of 369 patients who underwent resections for MD- or MT-IPMN at two tertiary centers (2000–2019). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed for postoperative adverse events to compare the risks between intervention (ERCP, EUS-FNA with branch duct (BD) aspirated, EUS-FNA with MD aspirated from the duct directly or cyst/mass arising from MD) versus no-intervention group. Results33.1 % of patients had a preoperative ERCP and 69.4 % had EUS-FNA. Postoperative adverse events included: 30-day readmission (12.7 %), delayed gastric emptying (13.8 %), pancreatic fistula (10.3 %), abdominal abscess (5.7 %), cardiopulmonary adverse events (11.4 %), and mortality (1.4 %). The model was adjusted for potential confounders. There were no significant differences between the ERCP and no-ERCP groups for specific adverse events. Compared to no-EUS-FNA groups, groups of EUS-FNA with BD aspiration and EUS-FNA with MD aspiration from the main pancreatic duct directly or cyst/mass arising from MD did not show a significant increase in specific adverse events. ConclusionsPostoperative adverse events were not significantly increased among patients who had ERCP or EUS-FNA before surgical resection for MD- or MT-IPMNs. Endoscopic procedures directly sampling the MD can be safely pursued for diagnostic purposes in selected cases.

Risk of Carcinoma in Pleomorphic Adenomas of the Parotid

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) of the parotid to prevent further growth and potential future malignant transformation. While historical case series have reported transformation rates as high as 10%, there is a lack of contemporary methodologically sound data. To examine the rate of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) detection in untreated PAs and investigate factors associated with malignant neoplasm. This cohort study reviewed all cases of primary PAs managed at a quaternary referral center between December 1990 and January 2015. Patients whose clinical presentation was compatible with a primary benign PA and whose history indicated tumor duration of over 1 year were included. Data were analyzed from January to April 2023. Untreated PA. Rate of CXPA detection among untreated PAs and association of tumor duration with rates of CXPA detection. Pathology slides of patients who underwent surgery were reviewed by a single expert pathologist for the presence of CXPA. Univariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate possible factors associated with CXPA. A total of 260 patients (median age, 47 years [IQR, 38-60 years]; 174 [66.9%] female) had a median tumor duration of 3.2 years (range, 1-30 years; mean [SD], 5.7 [5.5] years). Patients were divided into 4 groups by tumor duration: 1 to 4 years (158 [60.7%]), 5 to 9 years (47 [18.1%]), 10 to 14 years (27 [10.4%]), and 15 to 30 years (28 [10.8%]). In 156 of 170 patients who underwent preoperative fine-needle aspiration (91.8%), a benign tumor was diagnosed; 5 of these patients (3.2%; 95% CI, 1.4%-7.3%) were later diagnosed with CXPA on pathology after eventual excision, and the rate of high grade CXPA was 1.3%. None of the patients had permanent facial nerve paralysis. Tumor size at presentation (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; 95% CI, 1.22-2.24) and incremental (per year) increase in age (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08) were found to be associated with CXPA, whereas tumor duration was not (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01). In this study, the rate of malignant neoplasm detection among initially untreated PA was 3.2%. The results suggest that tumor size and older age are associated with the development of CXPA, while tumor duration is not. Observation of PA for longer periods was not associated with serious permanent complications.

Cervical schwannoma: diagnosis and treatment

Schwannomas are benign, encapsulated, slow-growing, tumours deriving from the peri neural cells located in the nerve sheath. They can arise from any cranial, peripheral or autonomic nerves, and show a predilection for the head and neck region. They may produce secondary symptoms like nasal obstruction, dysphagia, and hoarseness of voice depending upon the location of the tumour. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult, relying on clinical suspicion, and confirmed by surgical pathology. Preoperative imaging or fine needle aspiration cytology may help to reveal diagnosis. The definitive diagnosis is made by histopathological examinations. A 28 years old female patient presented to the OPD with painless swelling on the left lateral side of the neck since 1 year. The swelling was mobile, non-tender, non-pulsatile firm in consistency measuring 4×3 cm with no bruit. MRI neck with contrast was done which revealed a moderately enhancing lesion of size 7×4×3 cm in the left carotid sheath. The tumour was approached by an anterior approach along the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid. Platysma and fascia were dissected followed by carotid sheath to reach the tumour. As the mass was seen arising from a branch of the ansa cervicalis, it had to be sacrificed.

Development of a novel clinical support tool for active surveillance of low risk papillary thyroid cancer.

Active surveillance (AS) is an alternative to surgery in select patients with very low risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Many clinicians feel ill-equipped in selecting appropriate patients. We aimed to 1) Develop an evidence-based web delivered decision support tool to assist clinicians in identifying patients appropriate for AS; and 2) Evaluate the prevalence of patients suitable for AS in a tertiary high volume thyroid cancer centre. A REDCap web based clinical support tool was developed utilising evidence-based characteristics for AS suitability available to clinicals during initial assessment. A retrospective database was interrogated for patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy between 2012 - 2021 with final histopathology demonstrating PTC. Patients with PTCs>2cm, missing data, benign disease on surgical histopathology or incidental PTC were excluded. Between 2012 - 2021, 763 patients underwent hemithyroidectomy with final histopathology confirming PTC. Of these, 316 patients were excluded (missing data, incidental PTC, concomitant hyperparathyroidism were most common reasons for exclusion) and 114/447 remaining patients had a pre-operative fine needle aspirate (FNA) of Bethesda V or VI (high likelihood of malignancy). Using the tool, 59/114 (52%) met criteria for AS. The majority of patients were female (85% vs 15% male); median age 36 years (range 19 - 78). Following initial surgery, 10/59 patients had a completion thyroidectomy, with 4/10 demonstrating malignancy in contralateral lobe and eight of those patients undergoing I131 ablation. During a median follow up of over 3 years, 49/59 (83%) did not require further surgery or intervention with no patients developing recurrence. A subgroup analysis with second radiology assessment excluded 4/59 patients as meeting criteria for AS based on presence of ETE on preoperative ultrasound. None of these 4 patients had completion thyroidectomy. Our clinical support tool identifies patients with PTC potentially suitable for AS which could be utilised during initial patient assessment. In a retrospective cohort of patients who had hemithyroidectomy for PTC with a pre-operative FNA diagnosis of Bethesda V or VI, 55/114 (48%) patients may have been suitable for AS. Prospective validation studies are required for implementation of the tool in clinical practice.

Revisiting the cytomorphological features of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma: a comparative analysis with indeterminate thyroid fine-needle aspiration samples.

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is an uncommon high-grade carcinoma of follicular cell origin that is usually overlooked on preoperative fine-needle aspiration (FNA) due to its rarity and cytomorphological overlap with follicular-patterned neoplasms. Definitive diagnosis of PDTC usually requires histologic examination of the resected thyroid tumor. Herein, we describe the cytological and architectural findings of histologically confirmed PDTC cases. A search for all thyroid FNAs with a corresponding surgical diagnosis of PDTC was performed. Surgical diagnoses were reviewed and confirmed using the Turin criteria. In addition, the control group consisted of indeterminate thyroid nodules (FLUS [follicular lesion of undetermined significance] and FN [follicular neoplasm]) that were either benign or well-differentiated thyroid tumors on resection. The PDTC and control groups were both subjected to cytological assessment using specific cytological and architectural parameters, which included cellularity, growth pattern, mitoses, necrosis, chromatin change, discohesion, and anisonucleosis. A total of 36 thyroid FNAs were included in the study. This consisted of 12 histologically confirmed PDTC FNAs and 24 indeterminate thyroid FNAs (FLUS and FN, 12 each). The most frequent findings among PDTC groups were hypercellularity (75%), trabecular/insular growth pattern (58%), branching capillaries (67%), and cellular discohesion (92%). Necrosis (25%), ≥3 mitoses (50%), and anisonucleaosis (42%) were less frequently observed. A peculiar finding was the presence of adenoid cystic carcinoma-like globules in 50% of PDTC cases. Certain findings such as colloid, necrosis, mitoses, and cellular discohesion were helpful in differentiating the two groups. Thyroid fine-needle aspiration remains an essential diagnostic/triage tool for most thyroid nodules/tumors. PDTC can be diagnosed or at least suspected preoperatively based on the demonstration of certain architectural and cytological alterations. Although mitoses and necroses are not always readily identified, an elevated Ki-67 labeling expression could provide additional clues to the diagnosis in some cases.

Deep learning prediction model for central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma based on cytology.

Controversy exists regarding whether patients with low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) should undergo surgery or active surveillance; the inaccuracy of the preoperative clinical lymph node status assessment is one of the primary factors contributing to the controversy. It is imperative to accurately predict the lymph node status of PTMC before surgery. We selected 208 preoperative fine-needle aspiration (FNA) liquid-based preparations of PTMC as our research objects; all of these instances underwent lymph node dissection and, aside from lymph node status, were consistent with low-risk PTMC. We separated them into two groups according to whether the postoperative pathology showed central lymph node metastases. The deep learning model was expected to predict, based on the preoperative thyroid FNA liquid-based preparation, whether PTMC was accompanied by central lymph node metastases. Our deep learning model attained a sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction value (PPV), negative prediction value (NPV), and accuracy of 78.9% (15/19), 73.9% (17/23), 71.4% (15/21), 81.0% (17/21), and 76.2% (32/42), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (value was 0.8503. The predictive performance of the deep learning model was superior to that of the traditional clinical evaluation, and further analysis revealed the cell morphologies that played key roles in model prediction. Our study suggests that the deep learning model based on preoperative thyroid FNA liquid-based preparation is a reliable strategy for predicting central lymph node metastases in thyroid micropapillary carcinoma, and its performance surpasses that of traditional clinical examination.

Collision tumor of a papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma: a case report

BackgroundPapillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) are common differentiated thyroid cancers, but the detection of a collision tumor is an extremely rare event. Case presentationThe patient was a 69-year-old Japanese female with multiple cervical lymph node swellings and a thyroid tumor. Preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology of the enlarged lymph node revealed a cytological diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A total thyroidectomy, right cervical dissection and paratracheal dissection were performed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of resected specimens revealed a collision tumor of PTC and FTC. Multiple metastases of papillary carcinoma were found in the dissected lymph nodes. In the PTC lesion, IHC for BRAF (V600E) was positive but negative for the FTC lesion. Genetic analyses further revealed a TERT promoter C228T mutation in PTC and a NRAS codon 61 mutation in FTC. The patient died of recurrent cancer 8 months after surgery.ConclusionsA case of a collision tumor of PTC and FTC is very rare, and even fewer cases have been subjected to genetic scrutiny. The present case was successfully diagnosed by pathological examination using immunohistochemical and genetic analyses. The TERT promoter mutation in the PTC lesion was consistent with the aggressive behavior of the cancer.

Comparative Study of FNAC and Histopathology in Diagnosis of Thyroid Swelling

Background: Neck swelling is a common clinical presentation in ENT practice and it carries significant morbidity and even mortality if not managed properly. Thyroid swelling being the most common type among them. We conducted a study to assess the role of FNAC in diagnosing the nature of thyroid swelling and comparing its result with histopathology finding. The aim and objectives of this study is to observe the correlation between preoperative Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) and post operative histopathology in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions.&#x0D; Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was done in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head &amp; Neck Surgery and Department of Pathology, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram from January 2018 to December 2020. Eighty (80) patients, both male and female of different age groups were included. The selected patients were subjected to clinical examination, routine hematological investigation, thyroid hormone test, USG, thyroid Scan, FNAC and histopathological examinations of the thyroidectomy specimens. Correlation between FNAC and histopathology reports were done in those patients.&#x0D; Results: In this study, age range of the patients were 11 years to 70 years. Out of 80 patients of thyroid swelling, the most of the patients 28(35%) were 31-40 years of age groups. out of 80 patients of thyroid swelling, 26(26.25%) were male and 59(73.75%) were female and male female ratio was1:2.81. On FNAC 64(80%) were non neoplastic and 16(20%) were neoplastic. Out of 64(80%) of non neoplastic lesions, 62(77.50%) were nodular goitre and 2(2.5%) were lymphocytic thyroiditis and out of 16(20%) neoplastic thyroid swelling, 2(2.50%) were follicular lesion, 12(15%) were papillary carcinoma, 1(1.25%) was follicular carcinoma and 1(1.25%) was suspicious for malignancy. On histopathology, out of 80 patients of thyroid swelling 60(75%) were non neoplastic and 20(25%) were neoplastic. out of 60(75%) non neoplastic, 59 (73.75%) were nodular, 1(1.25%) was Lymphocytic thyroiditis and out of 20(25%) neoplastic lesions, 3(3.75%) were follicular adenoma,13(16.25%) were papillary carcinoma,3(3.75%) were follicular variant of papillary carcinoma and 1(1.25%) was follicular carcinoma.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is concluded from the present study that female are more affected in our region. Non neoplastic lesions of the thyroid were more common (Nodular goitre being the commonest) than neoplastic lesions (Papillary carcinoma being the commonest). FNAC is essential diagnostic tool for thyroid swelling but final diagnosis to rule out thyroid cancer is surgical excision and histopathology.&#x0D; Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.22 (1); January 2023; Page 19-22

Diagnostic values of nuclear score combined with cyclin D1 immunocytochemistry in indeterminate thyroid follicular nodules in preoperative fine needle aspiration

Objective: To assess the feasibility of nuclear score combined with cyclin D1 immunocytochemistry in classifying indeterminate thyroid nodules with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytological diagnosis of Bethesda category Ⅲ-Ⅴ. Methods: A consecutive cohort of 118 thyroid FNA specimens with indeterminate diagnosis (TBSRTC category Ⅲ-Ⅴ) and available histopathologic follow-up data were collected between December 2018 and April 2022 at the Department of Pathology, Beijing Hospital, China. These cases were subjected to cytological evaluation and cyclin D1 immunocytochemistry. The optimal cut-off points of a simplified nuclear score and the percentage of cyclin D1-positive cells for the diagnosis of malignancy or low-risk neoplasm were determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the ROC curve (AUC). The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of nuclear score and cyclin D1 immunostaining were evaluated from the crosstabs based on cut-off points. The diagnostic accuracy of simplified nuclear score combined with cyclin D1 immunostaining was estimated using ROC curve analysis. Results: Nuclear grooves, intra-nuclear inclusions and chromatin clearing were more commonly found in malignancy/low-risk neoplasms than benign lesions (P=0.001, P=0.012 and P=0.001 respectively). A cut-off point of≥2 for the simplified nuclear score was sensitive for defining malignancy/low-risk neoplasm, and its PPV, NPV, sensitivity and specificity were 93.6%, 87.5%, 99.0% and 50.0% respectively. A positive cut-off point of 10% positive thyroid cells in cyclin D1 immunostaining demonstrated sensitivity of 88.5%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100% and NPV of 53.8% for correctly detecting thyroid malignancy or low-risk neoplasm. The sensitivity and PPV of simplified nuclear score combined with cyclin D1 immunostaining were 93.3% and 100%, respectively. Both specificity and NPV were maintained at high levels (100% and 66.7%, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy of simplified nuclear score combined with cyclin D1 immunostaining in detecting thyroid malignancy/low-risk neoplasm was increased to 94.1% compared to using either of them alone. Conclusions: Combing simplified nuclear score and cyclin D1 immunostaining on FNA cytology specimens can increase the diagnostic accuracy in classifying thyroid nodules of indeterminate cytological categories. Thus, this supplementary approach provides a simple, accurate, and convenient diagnostic method for cytopathologists so that may reduce unnecessary thyroidectomies.

Clinicopathological Spectrum of Thyroid Swelling: A Single Institutional Prospective Study from Northeast India

Purpose: The pathologic lesions of the thyroid gland are manifested by varied morphologies. The current study aims to report the clinicopathologic features of patients with thyroid swelling from a tertiary centre of North-East India with particular emphasis on histopathological examination (HPE).Method: It is a prospective hospital-based study. Fifty-three resected specimens of thyroid surgery were included in the study. All the specimens were undertaken for HPE, and the malignant cases were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Female preponderance (84.9%) of the disease was found with a maximum incidence between the age group younger than 40 (60.37%). 86.8% of cases were benign on HPE; colloid goitre reported a maximum number (62.3%). Only seven cases were found malignant, and six out of them were papillary carcinoma. All the six papillary carcinomas and one follicular carcinoma showed immunoreactivity of tumour cells to TTF 1, CK 7 and Thyroglobulin.Conclusion: Asymptomatic thyroid swelling is a prevalent entity, and the incidence of malignancy in the current study is 13.2%. Identifying malignant thyroid swelling out of the common benign or apparently benign goitres has always been problematic, and preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology followed by HPE and IHC plays a significant role.

Misdiagnosis of primary dumbbell chordoma of the cervical spine.

This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with primary dumbbell chordoma of the cervical spine and to summarize the causes of misdiagnosis. The clinical data of patients were retrospectively collected. The diagnostic process, surgical procedures, and outcomes were analyzed, then the difference was compared between dumbbell and non-dumbbell chordomas of the cervical spine. This study included six patients with primary dumbbell chordoma (one male and five females) with a mean age of 32.2±24.5years (range: 5-61years). Five cases with no computed tomography (CT) examination before the first operation were misdiagnosed, and on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), primary dumbbell chordoma showed the following specific features: extensive invasion of the surrounding soft tissues with an obscure boundary (≥5cm), intervertebral disc sparing, and hemorrhagic necrosis, furthermore, the CT features included atypical destructive vertebral lesions, minimal intralesional calcification, and neural foraminal enlargement. After comparison with non-dumbbell chordomas, it show statistical difference (p<0.05) in terms of calcification, foramen enlargement, FNA, misdiagnosis rate but with different recurrent rate. Primary dumbbell chordomas of the cervical spine can easily be misdiagnosed as neurogenic tumors. Preoperative CT-guided fine-needle aspiration puncture biopsy helps make an accurate diagnosis. Gross total excision with postoperative radiotherapy has been proven effective in reducing the recurrence rate.

A case of hyalinizing trabecular tumor of the thyroid gland

The patient was a 63-year-old man. In year X-3, neck ultrasonography (US), performed as part of a complete medical checkup, revealed a mass in the right thyroid lobe. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology was performed at the Otolaryngology department. Although papillary carcinoma could not be ruled out, the mass was classified as a class III tumor. Although neck US performed in years X-2 and X-1 showed no changes in the thyroid mass, the patient noted discomfort in the neck and requested the resection of the thyroid mass. Thus, surgery (right hemi-thyroidectomy) was performed in year X. The right hemi-thyroidectomy was conventionally performed; however, lymph node dissection was not performed because no swollen regional lymph nodes were observed. The mass was pathologically diagnosed as a hyalinizing trabecular tumor (HTT) based on hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunostaining. HTT of the thyroid is a rare tumor exhibiting peculiar features, as proposed by Carney et al. in 1987. It is a special type of tumor originating from the follicular epithelium that cytologically and histologically resembles a papillary carcinoma. While this tumor is often suspected to be a papillary carcinoma by FNA cytology, a definite diagnosis is often made based on intraoperative or postoperative pathological examination. Our case suggests that when preoperative FNA cytology reveals many intranuclear inclusions and nuclear grooves, HTT should be considered, in addition to papillary carcinoma.