Testing of mutations on thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology: A prospective study of 112 patients in Argentina.

Background: The study of genetic mutations in thyroid nodules makes it possible to improve the preoperative diagnosis of and reduce unnecessary surgeries on benign nodules. In this study, we analysed the impact of implementing a 7-gene mutation panel that enables mutations to be detected in BRAF and RAS (H/N/K) and the gene fusions PAX8/PPARG, RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC2, in a population in northern Argentina.

Method: We performed a prospective analysis of 112 fine needle aspirations diagnosed as having indeterminate cytology according to the Bethesda classification system.

[Non-incidental papillary microcarcinomas of the thyroid].

The clinical significance of papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid gland keeps being controversial. Its high prevalence in autopsies and as incidental findings in thyroidectomy specimens for benign pathology indicate an indolent clinical behavior. Nevertheless some of the microcarcinomas develop lymph node metastasis and local recurrence.