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Do tumor characteristics predict risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology?

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Abstract

The use of ultrasonography-guided, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has enhanced the preoperative characterization of thyroid nodules and reduced the need for diagnostic surgeries. However, complete preoperative characterization is not yet possible for patients with an indeterminate FNAC result. Here, results are discussed from a retrospective study by Banks et al. that aimed to refine preoperative risk assessment of thyroid cancer in patients with indeterminate FNAC results. The authors found that patients' age, nodule size and specific cytological diagnoses were all associated with thyroid malignancy. These variables were used to construct a diagnostic predictor model. The study by Banks et al. provides general guidance for clinicians who need to estimate thyroid cancer risk for patients with indeterminate FNAC results. Refinements in risk assessment for thyroid malignancy might help to individualize care of these patients; however, the results also underscore the need for enhanced diagnostic methods.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MD Ringel is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, JA Sipos is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Diabetes and Metabolism at Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.,

    Jennifer A Sipos & Matthew D Ringel

Authors
  1. Jennifer A Sipos
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  2. Matthew D Ringel
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Correspondence to Matthew D Ringel.

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Competing interests

JA Sipos is a member of the Abbott speaker's bureau.

MD Ringel is a member of the Genzyme speaker's bureau.

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Sipos, J., Ringel, M. Do tumor characteristics predict risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology?. Nat Rev Endocrinol 5, 140–141 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpendmet1078

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