Diagnosis of neck recurrences in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Local recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer

Management of advanced papillary thyroid cancer (PTC >10 mm) is changing its focus. Mortality was the main outcome measure for patients treated before the 90s. In the past two decades, however, most patients diagnosed with PTC belong to the very low risk of death group. On the other hand, local recurrence of PTC remains a clinical problem, with rates up to 25% depending on the presence of nodal metastasis, tumor diameter, and the skill of the surgeon to completely remove the primary tumor and the associated lymph node metastasis at first-time thyroidectomy. After optimized surgery (total thyroidectomy plus central neck dissection), radioiodine ablation has very little influence on lymph node recurrence that now presents mostly as lateral neck node metastasis that was overlooked or incompletely resected at the time of initial surgery.

Cost-Effectiveness of Long-Term Every Three-Year Versus Annual Postoperative Surveillance for Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) who demonstrate an excellent response to initial therapy have a 2% recurrence rate and 100% disease-specific survival within 10 years. Thus, annual surveillance may be excessive. We hypothesized that less frequent postoperative surveillance in these patients is cost effective.

METHODS

A Markov discrete time state transition model was created to compare postoperative surveillance tapered to 3-year intervals after 5 years of annual surveillance versus conventional annual surveillance in low-risk PTC patients with negative neck ultrasound and stimulated thyroglobulin less than 2 ng/mL 1 year postoperatively. Outcome probabilities, utilities, and costs were determined via literature review, the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, and Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess areas of uncertainty.

RESULTS

The cost of annual surveillance was $5,239 per patient and yielded 22.49 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The 3-year strategy cost $2,601 less, but also yielded 0.01 less QALYs. Thus, the incremental cost per QALY of annual surveillance was $260,100. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated that less frequent surveillance was more cost effective in 99.98% of 10,000 simulated patients. One-way sensitivity analysis revealed that annual surveillance would be cost effective if the total cost of neck ultrasound could be reduced to $23 or less.

CONCLUSION

Extending postoperative surveillance to 3-year intervals after 5 years of annual surveillance in patients with low-risk PTC with excellent response to therapy is more cost effective than annual surveillance.

Ultrasound training among endocrine oncology surgeons: what is best practice?

Background: We aimed to determine training levels and utilization of surgeon-performed ultrasound (SPUS) among endocrine surgeons. Methods: Survey of American Association of Endocrine Surgeons members and recent endocrine surgery fellowship graduates. Results: Thirty-four percent (165/481) recipients completed the survey. Of 60% endocrine surgery fellowship-trained surgeons, 58% performed ultrasound during fellowship and 18% during residency. Currently, 65% employ SPUS, with significant variability: 31% without biopsy; 60% not in the operating room; 39% for lymph node mapping; 22% for long-term thyroid cancer surveillance. SPUS altered surgical decision making ‘sometimes’ (>50%) or ‘most of the time’ (31%). Support for ‘rich ultrasound exposure’ was nearly universal. Although 76% felt comfortable with SPUS interpretation, 43% nevertheless obtained additional radiology-performed ultrasound. The majority (53%) rated SPUS as ‘indispensable’. Conclusion: Ultrasound is employed by a growing number of endocrine surgeons, who view it as necessary for clinical practice though usage patterns differ. Formal SPUS education during fellowship training appears advantageous.

Post-thyroidectomy neck ultrasonography in patients with thyroid cancer and a review of the literature

The importance of routine neck ultrasonography for the detection of unsuspected local or nodal recurrence of thyroid cancer following thyroidectomy (with or without neck dissection) is well documented in many journal articles and international guidelines. Herein, we present a pictorial summary of the sonographic features of benign and malignant central neck compartment nodules and cervical lymph nodes via a series of high-quality ultrasonographic images, with a review of the literature.

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction-based detection of thyroid-specific gene expression in fine-needle aspirate for thyroid cancer recurrence evaluation: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Despite improved surveillance for patients after total thyroidectomy for cancer, there has yet to be a diagnostic method that detects recurrence with 100% accuracy.

METHODS

A 60-year-old woman with a family history of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) underwent total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine ablation. On postoperative surveillance, ultrasound examination of the neck demonstrated a focus concerning for recurrence and a fine-needle aspirate (FNA) was performed. The cytology report was nondiagnostic and, hence, RNA was extracted from the specimen followed by reverse transcription (cDNA), and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to detect thyroid-specific gene expression (thyroglobulin =Tg; sodium-iodide symporter = NIS; thyroperoxidase = TPO).

RESULTS

Expression of select thyroid-specific genes was demonstrated, and given the patient's remarkable cancer and family history, surgical resection was elected. Final pathology demonstrated follicular adenoma.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates a novel approach used in the evaluation for recurrent thyroid cancer as an adjunct to FNA cytology.

Importance of postoperative stimulated thyroglobulin level at the time of 131I ablation therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Serum thyroglobulin detection plays an essential role during the follow-up of thyroid cancer patients treated with total/near total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relationship between stimulated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level at the time of high dose 131I ablation and risk of recurrence, using a three-level classification in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) according to the ATA guidelines. Also we investigated the relationship between postoperative stimulated Tg at the time of ablation and DxWBS results at 8-10 months thereafter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with radioiodine accumulation were regarded as scan positive (scan +). If there was no relevant pathological radioiodine accumulation or minimal local accumulation in the thyroid bed region, this were regarded as scan negative (scan-) at the time of DxWBS. We classified patients in 3 groups as low, intermediate and high risk group for assessment of risk of recurrence according to the revised ATA guidelines. Also, we divided patients into 3 groups based on the stimulated serum Tg levels at the time of 131I ablation therapy. Groups 1-3 consisted of patients who had Tg levels of ≤ 2 ng/ml, 2-10 ng/ml, and ≥ 10 ng/ml, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 221 consecutive patients were included. In the high risk group according to the ATA guideline, while 45.5% of demonstrated Scan(+) Tg(+), 27.3% of patients demonstrated Scan(-) Tg(-); in the intermediate group, the figures were 2.3% and 90.0% while in the low risk group, they were 0.6% and 96.4%. In 9 of 11 patients with metastases (81.8%), stimulated serum Tg level at the time of radioiodine ablation therapy was over 10, however in 1 patient (9.1%) it was < 2 ng/mL and in one patient it was 2-10 ng/mL (p = 0.005). Aggressive subtypes of DTC were found in 8 of 221 patients and serum Tg levels were ≤ 2 ng/ml in 4 of these 8.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that TSH-stimulated serum thyroglobulin level at the time of ablation may not determine risk of recurrence. Therefore, DxWBS should be performed at 8-12 months after ablation therapy.

Striving toward standardization of reporting of ultrasound features of thyroid nodules and lymph nodes: a multidisciplinary consensus statement

BACKGROUND

The use of high-resolution ultrasound (US) imaging is a mainstay of the initial evaluation and long-term management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. To fully capitalize on the diagnostic capabilities of a US examination in the context of thyroid disease, many clinicians consider it desirable to establish a universal format and standard of US reporting. The goals of this interdisciplinary consensus statement are twofold. First, to create a standardized set of US features to characterize thyroid nodules and cervical lymph nodes accurately, and second, to create a standardized system for tracking sequential changes in the US examination of thyroid nodules and cervical lymph nodes for the purpose of determining risk of malignancy.

SUMMARY

The Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer (THANC) Foundation convened a panel of nine specialists from a variety of medical disciplines that are actively involved in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Consensus was achieved on the following topics: US evaluation of the thyroid gland, US evaluation of thyroid nodules, US evaluation of cervical lymph nodes, US-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules, and US-guided FNA of cervical lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

We propose that this statement represents a consensus within a multidisciplinary team on the salient and essential elements of a comprehensive and clinically significant thyroid and neck US report with regards to content, terminology, and organization. This reporting protocol supplements previous US performance guidelines by not only capturing categories of findings that may have important clinical implications, but also delineating findings that are clinically relevant within those categories as specifically as possible. Additionally, we have included the specific features of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions that have not been previously addressed.

Ultrasonographic findings relating to lymph node metastasis in single micropapillary thyroid cancer

Background

In thyroid cancer, preoperative ultrasonography (US) is performed to detect the primary tumor and lymph node metastasis (LNM), which are related to prognosis. This study examined the relationships between specific US findings and LNM in micropapillary thyroid cancer (MPTC).

Methods

Data on 220 patients with solitary MPTC who underwent total thyroidectomy and neck dissection between 2008 and 2009 were evaluated retrospectively. We classified the US findings according to the nature, shape, echogenicity, extent, margin, and calcification of the primary tumor and evaluated the correlations between these findings and those of LNM.

Results

Hypoechogenicity (odds ratio = 2.331, P = 0.025) and marked hypoechogenicity (OR = 4.032, P = 0.016) of MPTC were risk factors for central LNM. All of the patients with lateral cervical LNM showed hypoechogenicity or marked hypoechogenicity. Hypoechogenicity (odds ratio = 5.349, P = 0.047) and other types of calcification (odds ratio = 2.495, P = 0.010) were significant risk factors for lateral cervical LNM.

Conclusions

Specific sonographic findings (hypoechogenicity or marked hypoechogenicity, and calcification) suggest LNM.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) facilitated US in detecting lateral neck lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer patients: diagnosis value and enhancement patterns of malignant lymph nodes

OBJECTIVES

To examine the value of CEUS as a non-invasive tool in detecting lateral neck metastasis (LNM) and the enhancement patterns of malignant lymph nodes (LN) for thyroid cancer patients.

METHODS

Eighty-two consecutive patients, who underwent both preoperative non-enhanced US and CEUS examinations, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent lateral neck dissection (LND). Enhancement patterns of 102 collected LNs matching to CEUS findings were analyzed.

RESULTS

CEUS detected LNM in 53 of 65 patients, showing a higher sensitivity and accuracy than that of conventional US (p = 0.109 and p = 0.154, respectively). Thirteen patients' surgical procedures were altered by CEUS findings, including nine true positive and four false positive cases. Five patients' surgical procedures were altered by conventional US findings, including two true positive and three false positive cases. Heterogeneous enhancement, perfusion defects, microcalcification, and centripetal/hybrid enhancement were all specific criteria for malignant LNs in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only heterogeneous enhancement and centripetal/hybrid enhancement were significantly related to LN metastasis (p = 0.000 and p = 0.037, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

CEUS may be a potential tool to facilitate conventional US in detecting LNM. Heterogeneous enhancement and centripetal/hybrid enhancement are useful criteria to distinguish between malignant and benign LNs.

KEY POINTS

• CEUS findings facilitated conventional US in detecting LNM. • Heterogeneous, centripetal/hybrid enhancement, microcalcification and perfusion defects were specific criteria of malignant LNs. • Heterogeneous and centripetal/hybrid enhancement were significantly related to LN metastasis in multivariate analysis.

Recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer: towards personalized treatment based on evaluation of tumor characteristics with PET (THYROPET Study): study protocol of a multicenter observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

After initial treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients are followed with thyroglobulin (Tg) measurements to detect recurrences. In case of elevated levels of Tg and negative neck ultrasonography, patients are treated 'blindly' with Iodine-131 (131I). However, in up to 50% of patients, the post-therapy scan reveals no 131I-targeting of tumor lesions. Such patients derive no benefit from the blind therapy but are exposed to its toxicity. Alternatively, iodine-124 (124I) Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) has become available to visualize DTC lesions and without toxicity. In addition to this, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT detects the recurrent DTC phenotype, which lost the capacity to accumulate iodine. Taken together, the combination of 124I and 18F-FDG PET/CT has potential to stratify patients for treatment with 131I.

METHODS/DESIGN

In a multicenter prospective observational cohort study the hypothesis that the combination of 124I and 18F-FDG PET/CT can avoid futile 131I treatments in patients planned for 'blind' therapy with 131I, is tested.One hundred patients planned for 131I undergo both 124I and 18F-FDG PET/CT after rhTSH stimulation. Independent of the outcome of the scans, all patients will subsequently receive, after thyroid hormone withdrawal, the 131I therapy. The post 131I therapeutic scintigraphy is compared with the outcome of the 124I and 18F-FDG PET/CT in order to evaluate the diagnostic value of the combined PET modalities.This study primary aims to reduce the number of futile 131I therapies. Secondary aims are the nationwide introduction of 124I PET/CT by a quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program, to correlate imaging outcome with histopathological features, to compare 124I PET/CT after rhTSH and after withdrawal of thyroid hormone, and to compare 124I and 131I dosimetry.

DISCUSSION

This study aims to evaluate the potential value of the combination of 124I and 18F-FDG PET/CT in the prevention of futile 131I therapies in patients with biochemically suspected recurrence of DTC. To our best knowledge no studies addressed this in a prospective cohort of patients. This is of great clinical importance as a futile 131I is a costly treatment associated with morbidity and therefore should be restricted to those likely to benefit from this treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01641679.

Diagnostic Whole-Body Scan May Not Be Necessary for Intermediate-Risk Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer after Low-Dose (30 mCi) Radioactive Iodide Ablation

BACKGROUND

A diagnostic whole-body scan (WBS) is recommended 6 to 12 months after total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodide ablation in intermediate- or high-risk patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the necessity of a diagnostic WBS after radioactive iodide ablation in intermediate-risk patients with DTC.

METHODS

A total of 438 subjects were included in the study: 183 low-risk subjects and 255 intermediate-risk subjects according to the American Thyroid Association guideline. All subjects diagnosed with DTC received 1,100 MBq (30 mCi) activity of radioiodine (I-131) following total thyroidectomy. On follow-up, all subjects underwent a diagnostic I-131 WBS after thyroid hormone withdrawal.

RESULTS

After initial radioactive iodide ablation, 95.1% of low-risk patients and 91.4% of intermediate-risk patients showed no uptake on diagnostic WBS (P=0.135). Intermediate-risk patients with stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels higher than 2.0 ng/mL showed a greater rate of radioactive iodine uptake on diagnostic WBS. Four intermediate-risk patients showed recurrence during the 16 to 80 months follow-up period. Three of the four patients with recurrence showed no uptake on diagnostic WBS and had a stimulated Tg level less than 2.0 ng/mL.

CONCLUSION

A diagnostic I-131 WBS after radioactive iodide ablation in intermediate-risk patients with DTC may not be necessary. A large prospective study is necessary to determine the necessity of diagnostic WBS in intermediate-risk patients with DTC.

Thyroglobulin in the washout fluid of lymph-node biopsy: what is its role in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma?

BACKGROUND

The clinical evaluation of enlarged local lymph nodes (LNs) is difficult at the beginning and throughout the follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Although the examination of samples collected from LNs by fine-needle aspiration biopsy cytology (FNAB-C) is extremely specific for the diagnosis of metastases, its sensitivity is low, especially in paucicellular samples.

SUMMARY

The measurement of thyroglobulin (Tg) in the fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) washout fluid (FNAB-Tg) increases the diagnostic performance of cytology to up to 100% sensitivity and specificity. However, the application of FNAB-Tg is currently hindered by the absence of methodological standardization, a lack of definite cutoff points, and the ongoing debate regarding its accuracy in nonthyroidectomized patients, those with elevated serum Tg, and those with circulating anti-Tg antibodies.

CONCLUSION

FNAB-Tg improves the diagnostic performance of FNAB-C in LN metastases, even when the latter is unable to diagnose the metastases. For that reason, FNAB-Tg should be included in the monitoring of DTC.

Low-risk papillary thyroid cancer: times are changing

The prevalence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), particularly of low-risk PTC (MACIS <6), is rising due to the increasingly use of neck imaging techniques, fine-needle aspiration and whole body PET scans. Observational cohort studies carried out in the last two decades suggest that low-risk PTC are being overtreated due to the current management paradigm being built on studies done in the 70s and 80s that still echo in some influential guidelines. With the progressive adoption of total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection as the mainstay of treatment for PTC, and suppressed basal thyroglobulin and neck ultrasound once a year as the essential tools for follow-up, the use of radioiodine ablation, body scans and stimulated thyroglobulin concentrations has become obsolete for the vast majority of patients with low-risk PTC. Future guidelines on the management of differentiated thyroid cancer should discuss separately three different diseases: low-risk PTC, high-risk PTC and follicular cancer.

Therapeutic impact of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in recurrent differentiated thyroid carcinoma

PURPOSE

(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has proved effective in detecting recurrent or metastatic differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in the follow-up of operated DTC patients with high thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and negative findings on radioiodine whole-body scan. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the impact of PET/CT on the planning of appropriate treatment for known recurrent disease in operated DTC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study concerned 44 consecutive DTC patients (36 papillary, 8 follicular), who underwent total thyroidectomy and thyroid remnant ablation with (131)I and PET/CT. All patients had proven or strongly suspected recurrent disease judging from neck ultrasound (US) and fine-needle aspiration cytology, and detectable basal Tg levels.

RESULTS

PET/CT findings were positive in 25/44 patients (56.81 %) and negative in 19. A positive PET/CT result predicted resectable tumour recurrences in 19/25 patients, but also detected additional tumour sites that prompted changes to the treatment plan in 6/25 patients (24 %). A negative PET/CT result led to clinical monitoring for 11/19 patients (57.89 %).

CONCLUSIONS

PET/CT can help select patients, who might benefit from a tailored therapy by improving the detection of local recurrences not apparent on neck US or metastases.

The value of thyroglobulin in washout of fine needle aspirate from 16 cervical lesions in patients with thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Thyroglobulin in the needle washout (Tg-FNA) and cytology of fine needle aspiration (cyto-FNA) are recommended for diagnosis of metastatic lymphadenopathies and recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the value of these procedures in 16 cervical masses from patients with thyroid cancer of the follicular epithelium (TC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included six patients with TC and cervical lymphadenopathies evaluated before initial thyroid surgery and 10 patients followed up after TC surgery with cervical lumps discovered. FNA was performed in all 16 masses. Results of cyto-FNA, Tg-FNA and of the combined tests were compared to the final diagnosis of each lesion.

RESULTS

Among 10 lesions proven to be malignant at surgery, cyto-FNA, Tg-FNA and the combination of both allowed for adequate diagnosis in 7, 9, and 10 cases respectively. Among 6 lesions considered to be benign, cyto-FNA was able to confirm diagnosis in 4, was non-diagnostic in one, and was falsely negative in the remaining case, while Tg-FNA was below the established cut-off value (to consider malignancy) in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with TC and suspect cervical masses, Tg-FNA improved the diagnostic yield of cyto-FNA alone, thus warranting its routine recommendation when FNA is performed. However, universal standardization of the technique and definition of valid cut-off thyroglobulin values (depending on the immunoassay used) above which the lesion should be considered to be malignant are still pending.

On-site ultrasound-guided localization for impalpable nodal recurrences in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients

Purpose

The cervical lymph nodes are the most common sites of locoregional recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Accurate tumor localization is important for the successful removal of impalpable recurrences in the cervical lymph nodes. We evaluated the benefits of ultrasound-guided localization (UGL) performed by a single surgeon on site.

Methods

Of 53 PTC patients who underwent reoperation for impalpable nodal recurrences, 32 (group 1) were assessed only using preoperative imaging, while 21 (group 2) were additionally evaluated by on-site UGL performed by the operating surgeon. Postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Operation times were significantly shorter (P < 0.001) and the mean size of the resected lymph nodes were smaller (P = 0.013) for group 2 patients. More lymph nodes were identified and resected in group 1 (3.56 vs. 3.19), but the rate of positive lymph nodes was significantly higher in group 2 (P < 0.001). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of resection success rate, complication rate, and postoperative hospital stay. During a mean follow-up period of 27.6 months, 52 patients (98.1%) showed no evidence of recurrence on routine ultrasound, and serum thyroglobulin concentrations remained < 1 ng/mL in 49 patients (92.5%).

Conclusion

On-site UGL performed by the operating surgeon is useful for accurate resection of impalpable nodal recurrences in PTC patients.

2013 European thyroid association guidelines for cervical ultrasound scan and ultrasound-guided techniques in the postoperative management of patients with thyroid cancer

Cervical ultrasound scanning (US) is considered a key examination, by all major thyroid and endocrine specialist societies for the postoperative follow-up of thyroid cancer patients to assess the risk of recurrence. Neck US imaging is readily available, non-invasive, relatively easy to perform, cost-effective, and can guide diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with low complication rates. Its main shortcoming is its operator-dependency. Because of the pivotal role of US in the care of thyroid cancer patients, the European Thyroid Association convened a panel of international experts to review technical aspects, indications, results, and limitations of cervical US in the initial staging and follow-up of thyroid cancer patients. The main aim is to establish guidelines for both a cervical US scanning protocol and US-guided diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in patients with thyroid cancer. This report presents (1) standardization of the US scanning procedure, techniques of US-guided fine-needle aspiration, and reporting of findings; (2) definition of criteria for classification of malignancy risk based on cervical US imaging characteristics of neck masses and lymph nodes; (3) indications for US-guided fine-needle aspiration and for biological in situ assessments; (4) proposal of an algorithm for the follow-up of thyroid cancer patients based on risk stratification following histopathological and cervical US findings, and (5) discussion of the potential use of US-guided localization and ablation techniques for locoregional thyroid metastases.

Malignant thyroid bed mass after total thyroidectomy

Purpose

Ultrasonographic (US) criteria on malignant thyroid bed mass have been suggested, including taller than wide shape, loss of echogenic hilum, abnormal vascularity, and microcalcification. The relationship between fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology findings and US findings on thyroid bed mass is unknown. We have retrospectively assessed the malignant thyroid bed mass after total thyroidectomy due to papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 2,048 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy due to PTC. FNA was performed in 97 patients on the thyroid bed under US surveillance. The 97 suspicious thyroid bed masses were divided into two groups: metastatic thyroid bed group (n = 34) and nonmetastatic group (n = 63). The groups were evaluated according to various clinical, serologic, and US findings.

Results

Within a median 47.0 months of follow-up, the proportion of malignant thyroid bed mass was high in large tumor size (1.37 cm vs. 1.03 cm), isthmic position (10.3% vs. 3.9%), and previous N1a (55.9% vs. 34.9%). US findings revealed that the presence of microcalcification or macrocalcification (47.1% vs. 19.0%) and thyroid bed mass height (5.4 mm vs. 3.9 mm) were the only discriminable criteria for central compartment recurrence. But, degree of echogenicity, loss of hilum, and irregularity of margin failed to discriminate malignant thyroid bed mass.

Conclusion

US findings on malignant thyroid bed mass were different from previously reported general criteria on lateral metastatic nodes. Additional FNA cytology should be performed on patients, even low-risk patients, who present the above findings.

Utility of thyroglobulin measurements in fine-needle aspirates of space occupying lesions in the thyroid bed after thyroid cancer operations

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound, and sometimes cytology, cannot differentiate between recurrent or persistent thyroid cancer and benign forms of space occupying lesions (SOLs) in the thyroid bed, including unsuspected thyroid remnants, that are noted several months to years after thyroidectomy (Tx) for thyroid cancer. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the hypothesis that measurement of thyroglobulin (Tg) in fine-needle aspirates from these lesions might help differentiate between benign and malignant SOLs in the thyroid bed.

METHODS

We studied 47 lesions in the thyroid bed from 43 patients who, 8-240 months previously, had 43 Txs for thyroid cancer. Eleven patients had a lobectomy and 32 patients had a total Tx. Also, some patients had radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation after their thyroid surgery and some did not. "Recurrence" was defined as the SOL, which was confirmed by cytological or histopathological results. "Benign SOL" was defined as a focal lesion, which was benign or nondiagnostic result on cytology and for which there was no RAI uptake on whole-body scintigraphy with both negative serum Tg and Tg antibodies. Diagnostic performances of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), FNA-Tg, and combining FNAC with FNA-Tg level were assessed for detection of malignant SOL. The diagnostic performance of FNA-Tg was assessed using three threshold values: 1 ng/mL, 10 ng/mL, and an FNA-Tg/serum-Tg ratio of 1.0.

RESULTS

FNA-Tg level and combining FNA-Tg levels with FNAC had higher sensitivities (100% in all three threshold values) and diagnostic accuracies (91.5%-95.7%) than FNAC alone (sensitivity of 85.3%, accuracy of 89.4%) in all threshold values. In both the RAI ablation and non-RAI ablation groups, the FNA-Tg levels and combining the FNA-Tg levels with FNAC had a higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy than FNAC alone with threshold values of 10 ng/mL and FNA-Tg/serum-Tg ratio of 1.0. The non-RAI ablation group did not have a different diagnostic accuracy than the RAI ablation group in all threshold values (p>0.05). FNA-Tg level showed a negative predictive value of 100% in all threshold values, in both the RAI ablation and the non-RAI ablation groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of Tg levels in the FNA of SOLs in the thyroid bed can be helpful in diagnosing tumor recurrence, because an FNA-Tg level lower than the threshold value has the added value of suggesting a benign lesion rather than tumor recurrence.

Thyroglobulin measurement in fine-needle aspiration biopsy of metastatic lymph nodes after rhTSH stimulation

BACKGROUND

Thyroglobulin measurement in the washout of the needle used in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been proposed for the early detection of lymph node metastasis both in patients with or without serum thyroglobulin antibodies; however, up to now, there have been no reports that recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) stimulation modifies thyroglobulin measurement in lymph node aspirates.

METHODS

We described, after rhTSH stimulation, the switching from undetectable to detectable levels of thyroglobulin in fine-needle aspiration fluid from a suspected metastatic lymph node in 2 patients.

RESULTS

We hypothesized that thyroglobulin levels in the lymph node increased after rhTSH stimulation. The excess thyroglobulin saturates all thyroglobulin antibody binding sites and becomes detectable, explaining why it was undetectable when TSH was suppressed.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of our experience, we suggest submitting to thyroglobulin measurement in the washout of the needle used in FNAC all patients with detectable serum thyroglobulin antibody after rhTSH stimulation.

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid bed lesions from patients with thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinomas

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the efficacy and the limitation of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy in thyroid bed lesions, a retrospective review was performed of the medical records of thyroid cancer patients who underwent ultrasound-guided FNA biopsy of the thyroid bed at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center over a 5-year period.

METHODS

Data were reviewed on 220 FNA biopsies taken from thyroid bed lesions in 195 patients who had undergone thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid bed FNA results were compared with clinical follow-up, including neck dissection results.

RESULTS

Recurrent carcinoma was diagnosed by FNA biopsy in 139 of 220 (63%) cases. Neck dissections were performed for 112 sites identified by FNA biopsies, and recurrent carcinoma was confirmed in 110 sites. The concordance between positive and/or suspicious FNA diagnosis and positive neck dissection results was 98% (118 of 120 cases). A false-positive FNA occurred in one patient with follicular thyroid carcinoma. The other discrepancy was attributed to failure to remove the lesion by neck dissection. The diagnostic accuracy of thyroid bed FNA was 100% in papillary and medullary thyroid carcinoma and 93% in follicular thyroid carcinoma. Suspicious and rare false-negative FNA results were attributed to low cellularity and lack of characteristic cytomorphologic features of thyroid carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided thyroid bed FNA biopsy is accurate and efficient in triaging patients who require post-thyroidectomy follow-up for recurrent thyroid carcinoma. Caution should be taken in the interpretation of FNA specimens that have low cellularity and lack characteristic cytologic features of thyroid carcinoma.

Advances in the follow-up of differentiated or medullary thyroid cancer

The long-term survival of patients with thyroid cancer and the possibility of tumour recurrence up to 30-40 years after the achievement of a disease-free status illustrate the importance of lifelong follow-up in these individuals. This Review discusses the most innovative aspects of follow-up protocols for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, that is, of papillary or follicular hystotype, and those with medullary thyroid cancer. Particular focus is placed on the relevance of new ultrasensitive assays for thyroglobulin measurement and the option of using recombinant human TSH to stimulate thyroglobulin secretion. Methods to compensate for the loss of diagnostic significance of serum thyroglobulin levels in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and circulating anti-thyroglobulin antibodies are highlighted, as well as the role of the postoperative calcitonin stimulation test and the clinical relevance of determining the doubling time of calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen in patients with medullary thyroid cancer. Moreover, this Review gives some insights into the role of molecular thyroid cancer testing, both for prognostic and for therapeutic purposes. Finally, a general overview of traditional imaging procedures, such as neck ultrasonography, CT, MRI and bone scintigraphy, is provided alongside a comparison with new nuclear imaging tests such as PET.

Role of [(18)F]-fluorodeoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography in the early detection of persistent/recurrent thyroid carcinoma in intermediate-to-high risk patients following initial radioactive iodine ablation therapy

BACKGROUND

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan has a role in the surveillance of patients with a history of thyroid carcinoma. Its efficacy after remnant ablation as far as detecting persistent or recurrent thyroid carcinoma before other surveillance methods is not known, however. In intermediate-to-high risk thyroid carcinoma patients we studied whether PET/CT scan, performed 6-12 months after the first remnant ablation, could provide more information than ultrasonography (US) and thyrotropin-stimulated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) determination with diagnostic whole-body scan (DxWBS).

METHODS

We studied 71 subjects with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) who were intermediate-to-high risk for persistent/recurrent disease and who had received PET/CT scan, US, and DxWBS simultaneously with stimulated Tg levels 6-12 months after remnant ablation. To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of PET/CT scan, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated.

RESULTS

Ten subjects (14%) had persistent/recurrent disease detected 6-12 months after remnant ablation. Persistence/recurrence was detected in nine (12.7%) of these patients by conventional methods, including US and DxWBS, along with stimulated Tg levels. The remaining case was detected solely by a PET/CT scan, which showed a mediastinal prevascular lesion; this was confirmed by a therapeutic WBS after additional radioiodine therapy. Among the six patients whose PET/CT scan showed positive results, five had persistent/recurrent disease. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT scan for detecting persistent/recurrent thyroid carcinoma were 50%, 98.4%, 83.3%, 92.3%, and 91.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In intermediate-to-high risk patients with DTC seen 6-12 months after their first remnant ablation, there is almost no complementary role for adding a PET/CT scan to conventional follow-up methods, an US and a DxWBS simultaneously with stimulated Tg levels.

Differentiated thyroid cancer in navarra (Spain): historic cohort results (1987-2003)

Introduction. Navarra has the highest incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer in Spain. The aim of this study was to review its management carried out by the Navarra's multidisciplinary Thyroid Disease Unit, from 1987 to 2003. Material and Methods. 325 patients were studied to find the incidence, prevalence, and prognostic factors. Statistical analysis comprised univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models for survival and tumor recurrence. Results. The average annual incidence was 3.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, with a final prevalence of 82.4 per 100,000. Regarding survival and recurrence, statistical significance was observed for stage IV, follicular carcinoma, capsular and prethyroid muscles invasion, and T4 group. Only survival was related to tumour size larger than 40 mm. Only recurrence was related to lymph node metastases and radioiodine dose higher than 100 mCi. Conclusions. Attendance of patients in a functional unit setting has allowed us to classify them into three risk groups.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and 131I radioguided surgical management of thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVE

To describe a technique that assists in the surgical management of recurrent local regional well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC).

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Two academic health centers from 2001 to 2009.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Patients operated upon by the senior surgeon (BCS) for recurrent WDTC.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients with recurrent WDTC were operated upon with radioguided surgical (RGS) technique to indentify recurrence for excision. Eight patients had iodine avid disease and were candidates for RGS with (131)I. The remaining 5 patients had cancer with a proven loss of iodine avidity and were, therefore, operated upon with a fluorodeoxygluocose (FDG) RGS technique.

CONCLUSION

RGS is a feasible approach to identify recurrent disease in an operated field and ensure its successful excision. Although focal disease may be identified with this technique, this is not a tool for limited excisions ("berry picking").

The use of ultrasensitive thyroglobulin assays reduces but does not abolish the need for TSH stimulation in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Measurement of serum Tg using ultrasensitive assays is proposed to replace TSH-stimulated Tg measurement in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Aim of our study was to verify this possibility using two ultrasensitive Tg assays. We selected 215 DTC patients with undetectable (<1 ng/ml) basal serum Tg at the time of a recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) stimulation. According to standard criteria, 173 (80.4%) patients were considered free of disease, 17 (7.9%) had documented disease and 25 (11.7%) had no evidence of disease but detectable serum rhTSH-stimulated Tg (biochemical disease). The sera of these patients were re-assayed with two commercial ultrasensitive assays and the results were compared with the clinical data. Basal Access and E-Iason Tg assays were able to distinguish patients with persistent disease or free of disease with a sensitivity of 82.3 and 82.3%, specificity of 85.5 and 86.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 35.8 and 36.8%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 98 and 98.6%, respectively. With both assays the addition of neck ultrasound to basal Tg increased the sensitivity and the NPV to 100% and decreased the false negative rate to 0%. In patients with detectable basal Tg without evidence of disease, serum Tg converted from detectable to undetectable in about 80% of the cases during 2-yr follow-up. Our study indicates that the combination of neck ultrasound and basal ultrasensitive Tg allows to identify all patients free of disease and can decrease the need for rhTSH stimulation in nearly 80% of the patients.

Ultrasonographically detected small thyroid bed nodules identified after total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer seldom show clinically significant structural progression

BACKGROUND

High-resolution ultrasound (US) is the primary tool used to identify locoregional recurrences in differentiated thyroid cancer. Although small thyroid bed (TB) nodules are a commonly reported sonographic finding, their natural history, regardless of whether they are benign or malignant, has not been well characterized. This study was designed to determine the likelihood, magnitude, and rate of growth of small TB nodules identified on routine surveillance neck US after thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer as well as to identify ultrasonographic and clinical predictors of growth.

METHODS

This retrospective review identified 191 patients with at least one TB nodule (≤ 11 mm) on the first postoperative US performed at a comprehensive cancer center. Change in size of each TB nodule was determined using serial US studies over time. Clinicopathologic and sonographic characteristics were analyzed as possible predictors for growth of the TB nodules.

RESULTS

Over a median clinical follow-up of 5 years, 9% (17/191) of patients had increase in size of at least one TB nodule. Median size of the TB nodules was 5 mm (range: 2-11 mm). Suspicious US features were seen in 63% (121/191) of patients with TB nodules identified on initial US and in 31% (21/67) of those with TB nodules detected on subsequent follow-up US. The rate of growth was 1.3 mm/year in those nodules showing an increase in size and thus demonstrated a significant increase in size only after several years of follow-up. The negative predictive values associated with the absence of any suspicious US features (0.97), the absence of abnormal cervical lymph nodes (0.94), and the lack of a rising serum thyroglobulin (0.93) provided clinically useful information regarding the likelihood that nodules would not increase in size.

CONCLUSION

Most TB nodules do not show clinically significant growth over several years of follow-up. Thus, TB nodules can be followed up with cautious observation and serial ultrasonography using an approach similar to that recommended by the American Thyroid Association thyroid cancer guidelines for the management of small abnormal cervical lymph nodes.

Good practice guide for cervical ultrasound scan and echo-guided techniques in treating differentiated thyroid cancer of vesicular origin

Good practice guide for cervical ultrasound scan and echo-guided techniques in treating differentiated thyroid cancer of vesicular origin. American, European and French Recommendations for the treatment of differentiated vesicular thyroid cancer were recently published. Cervical ultrasound scanning is now considered a key examination in the follow-up of these cancers. This examination is noninvasive, easy to perform and to obtain, is not costly, but remains operator-dependent. To date, there are no recommendations published that assemble all the technical aspects, results, indications and the limits of this examination in the initial medical report and the follow-up of these cancers. In order to standardise the procedure and validate the quality of the examination, a workgroup made up of a panel of experts particularly involved in carrying out ultrasound scans was set up. The aim was to draw up a good practice guide for performing cervical ultrasound scans and echo-guided techniques in treating patients with differentiated thyroid cancer of vesicular origin. The main objectives are to: (a) standardise the procedure and reports, (b) define the criteria for establishing whether lesions identified during a cervical ultrasound scan are malignant or benign, (c) standardise the indications for carrying out cytological tests and an in situ assay of markers, (d) help doctors to select the patients who ought to receive a cervical ultrasound scan and or cytological tests, (e) discuss how frequently the examinations should be carried out depending on the risk of recurrence.

Excision efficiency of radioguided occult lesion localization in reoperative thyroid and parathyroid surgery

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of a radioguided occult lesion localization technique in reoperative thyroid and parathyroid procedures in patients who had undergone previous neck exploration for thyroid or parathyroid disease.

METHODS

Twenty-one consecutive patients who were scheduled for reoperative thyroid or parathyroid surgery were studied. The indication for reoperation was recurrent papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in eight patients, completion thyroidectomy for PTC in eight patients who had previously undergone a bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy, recurrent goiter in two patients, primary hyperparathyroidism in two patients, and recurrent parathyroid cancer in one patient. Ninety minutes before surgery, 0.1 mL of Technetium-99m (0.2 mCi)-labeled macroaggregated albumin was injected directly into the lesion under ultrasonographic guidance. During surgery, a handheld gamma probe was used to localize and excise the lesions. The background and postexcisional site radioactivities were compared to confirm the completeness of each procedure. The radiation dose in the operating room environment, duration of surgery, and postoperative complication rates were evaluated in all patients. In patients with PTC, the change in serum thyroglobulin (Tg) following surgery was noted.

RESULTS

Thirty lesions were marked and excised. The postexcisional bed gamma counts (610 ± 141) were markedly decreased compared with the pre-excisional site counts (21,415.8 ± 4993.4; p = 0.0001). The ratio of the postexcisional and background counts (4.6 ± 4.3) was significantly lower than the ratio of the pre-excisional and background counts (173.7 ± 156.4; p = 0.0001). The mean operation duration was 53.3 ± 7.5 minutes. The dose absorbed by the hands of the surgeon was estimated as 0.07 ± 0.02 and 0.15 ± 0.05 millisievert/h when one or three lesions were marked, respectively. One patient developed postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism. After surgery, serum Tg levels dropped to <2 ng/mL in 86% (6/7) of the patients with PTC whose preoperative serum Tg was elevated.

CONCLUSIONS

The radioguided occult lesion localization technique was efficient in the perioperative identification of thyroid and parathyroid tumors in patients who were undergoing reoperation for PTC and hyperparathyroidism.

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and 18-F-FDG PET or PET/CT for patients with suspected recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracies of ultrasound (US) and 18-F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) or PET/computed tomography (CT) for detecting recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) after total thyroidectomy. Our study enrolled 76 postoperative patients who underwent both neck US and PET because of the suspicion of recurrence. The results of US and PET were correlated with the histopathology, the radioactive iodine whole body scan (WBS) or the clinical follow-up results. Among them, 53 patients had recurrent disease (local recurrence, 42; distant metastasis, 3; elevated Tg level, 8) and 23 showed no evidence of disease. From the analysis, US showed higher diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity compared with those of PET (71.1%, 71.7% and 69.6% vs. 55.3%, 56.6%, and 52.2%). PET added diagnostic information in a limited number of patients with negative results on neck US (3 with neck recurrence and 2 with distant metastasis).

Surgeon-performed ultrasound in patients referred for thyroid disease improves patient care by minimizing performance of unnecessary procedures and optimizing surgical treatment

BACKGROUND

Ultrasonography has become an indispensable tool in the evaluation of thyroid nodular disease, and most patients will have had a thyroid ultrasound prior to initial surgical evaluation. This study examines the added benefit of office-based, surgeon-performed ultrasonography in patients referred for thyroid disease.

METHODS

All patients referred to a single endocrine surgeon for evaluation of thyroid disease over a 2-year period were reviewed. Outside ultrasonographic findings were compared to the surgeon-performed ultrasound that was used to formulate treatment decisions.

RESULTS

Of 286 consecutive patients referred for surgical evaluation of thyroid disease, 261 had an outside ultrasound available for comparison. There were 239 women and 47 men. Mean age was 54.7 +/- 16.6. In 46 patients (17.6%), differences between the two ultrasounds were significant enough to alter treatment plans. For 18 patients no distinct nodule was identified and biopsy was avoided. Nine of these patients had ultrasound characteristics of Hashimoto's disease. In five patients the nodule was significantly smaller than reported and biopsy was not warranted. Twelve patients had nonpalpable, enlarged lymph nodes not previously identified; these were biopsied. Three were positive for metastatic thyroid cancer, which prompted the addition of neck dissection to the operative procedure. In 8 of 132 patients undergoing thyroidectomy, the surgical procedure was significantly altered by the ultrasound findings.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a clear advantage for patients who undergo a surgeon-performed ultrasound. For many, unnecessary procedures were prevented. For others, substantial modifications to the extent of surgery were made when new ultrasonographic findings were identified during the preoperative investigation.

Normal and abnormal sonographic findings at the thyroidectomy sites in postoperative patients with thyroid malignancy

OBJECTIVE

We describe typical sonography characteristics of locally recurrent tumors after thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer and the benign conditions mimicking tumor recurrence, with an emphasis on the differential diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound is an effective imaging technique not only for the detection of locally recurrent tumors but also for the differential diagnosis of locally recurrent tumors and other abnormalities mimicking tumor recurrence.

Recurrence detection in differentiated thyroid cancer patients with elevated serum level of antithyroglobulin antibody: special emphasis on using (18)F-FDG PET/CT

OBJECTIVE

A clinical challenge is presented by differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients who show increased serum antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) level with undetectable thyroglobulin (Tg) and negative radioiodine whole body scan (I-WBS). The aim of this study is to investigate the recurrence in DTC patients with elevated TgAb by using (18)F-FDG PET/CT (PET/CT) in addition to I-WBS and neck ultrasonography (USG).

SUBJECTS AND DESIGN

A total of 276 TgAb+ patients were enrolled. Recurrence was assessed and compared between TgAb+ and TgAb- patients. TgAb+ patients were further categorized into two groups of 35-140 U/ml (Group A) and 140 U/ml or greater (Group B), according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Tumoural status was evaluated regarding the TgAb positivity and the degree of increase of TgAb.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven (13.4%) of 276 TgAb+ patients were finally diagnosed with recurrence, compared with 21 (13.5%) of 156 TgAb- patients (P = 0.987). There was a correlation between TgAb level and recurrence (P = 0.032). Recurrence was more common in Group B than Group A (27.8% and 9.9%, respectively, P = 0.001). Recurrence was found in 37.5% of 24 TgAb+/Tg- patients who showed a gradually increasing tendency in serial measurements of TgAb. Sixteen cervical foci (21.1%) missed on neck USG and 17 lesions (22.4%) located outside the neck were additionally detected with PET/CT in TgAb+ patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TgAb plays a complementary role to Tg in the detection of recurrence of DTC. Tumour recurrence was more frequent in patients with elevated TgAb level over 140 U/ml or a trend toward increasing levels. PET/CT could provide additional information to I-WBS and neck USG in detecting tumour recurrence in patients with elevated TgAb.

Appearance of absorbable gelatin compressed sponge on early post-thyroidectomy neck sonography: a mimic of locally recurrent or residual thyroid carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Absorbable gelatin compressed sponge (Gelfoam; Pfizer Inc, New York, NY), a biodegradable agent prepared from purified porcine skin gelatin, is frequently used for intraoperative hemostasis. Its appearance on sonography may mimic tumor or residual thyroid when placed in the resection bed after thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study was to describe the appearance of Gelfoam on early post-thyroidectomy sonography so that an erroneous diagnosis of locally recurrent or residual tumor can be avoided.

METHODS

We reviewed the early postoperative sonographic examinations of 6 patients after thyroidectomy in which Gelfoam was used for hemostasis. Screening cervical sonography was performed to identify possible lateral compartment adenopathy before completion of thyroidectomy or ablation. Sonographic examinations were performed up to 50 days after resection. Surgical reports confirmed the use of Gelfoam in each patient.

RESULTS

In all cases, uniform elongated echogenicity was shown within the lobectomy bed. In 1 patient, sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration of lobectomy bed echogenicity yielded scant red blood cells, multinucleated giant cells, and macrophages. Follow-up sonography performed in 1 patient 14 months after thyroidectomy confirmed complete Gelfoam absorption.

CONCLUSIONS

Gelfoam may mimic residual or recurrent thyroid carcinoma on early surveillance sonography performed after thyroidectomy. Recognition of its characteristic appearance should prompt a search for an appropriate surgical history and, when placed in the appropriate clinical context, should prevent an errant diagnosis of tumor.

Revised American Thyroid Association management guidelines for patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem, and differentiated thyroid cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent. Since the publication of the American Thyroid Association's guidelines for the management of these disorders was published in 2006, a large amount of new information has become available, prompting a revision of the guidelines.

METHODS

Relevant articles through December 2008 were reviewed by the task force and categorized by topic and level of evidence according to a modified schema used by the United States Preventative Services Task Force.

RESULTS

The revised guidelines for the management of thyroid nodules include recommendations regarding initial evaluation, clinical and ultrasound criteria for fine-needle aspiration biopsy, interpretation of fine-needle aspiration biopsy results, and management of benign thyroid nodules. Recommendations regarding the initial management of thyroid cancer include those relating to optimal surgical management, radioiodine remnant ablation, and suppression therapy using levothyroxine. Recommendations related to long-term management of differentiated thyroid cancer include those related to surveillance for recurrent disease using ultrasound and serum thyroglobulin as well as those related to management of recurrent and metastatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

We created evidence-based recommendations in response to our appointment as an independent task force by the American Thyroid Association to assist in the clinical management of patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer. They represent, in our opinion, contemporary optimal care for patients with these disorders.