scholarly journals Appropriateness of ultrasound imaging for thyroid pathology, the standard of radiology reporting on thyroid nodules and the detection rates of thyroid malignancy: a tertiary centre retrospective audit

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 732-740
Author(s):  
Flavian G. Joseph ◽  
Denis Rubtsov ◽  
Peter Davoren
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eiman Alseddeeqi ◽  
Raqwana Baharoon ◽  
Rawia Mohamed ◽  
Jenan Ghaith ◽  
Abeer Al-Helali ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (03) ◽  
pp. 94-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. B. Musholt ◽  
T. J. Musholt

SummaryAim: Thyroid nodules > 1 cm are observed in about 12% of unselected adult employees aged 18–65 years screened by ultrasound scan (40). While intensive ultrasound screening leads to early detection of thyroid diseases, the determination of benign or malignant behaviour remains uncertain and may trigger anxieties in many patients and their physicians. A considerable number of thyroid resections are consecutively performed due to suspicion of malignancy in the detected nodes. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has been recommended for the assessment of thyroid nodules to facilitate detection of thyroid carcinomas but also to rule out malignancy and thereby avoid unnecessary thyroid resections. However, cytology results are dependent on experience of the respective cytologist and unfortunately inconclusive in many cases. Methods: Molecular genetic markers are already used nowadays to enhance sensitivity and specificity of FNAB cytology in some centers in Germany. The most clinically relevant molecular genetic markers as pre-operative diagnostic tools and the clinical implications for the intraoperative and postoperative management were reviewed. Results: Molecular genetic markers predominantly focus on the preoperative detection of thyroid malignancies rather than the exclusion of thyroid carcinomas. While some centers routinely assess FNABs, other centers concentrate on FNABs with cytology results of follicular neoplasia or suspicion of thyroid carcinoma. Predominantly mutations of BRAF, RET/PTC, RAS, and PAX8/PPARγ or expression of miRNAs are analyzed. However, only the detection of BRAF mutations predicts the presence of (papillary) thyroid malignancy with almost 98% probability, indicating necessity of oncologic thyroid resections irrespective of the cytology result. Other genetic alterations are associated with thyroid malignancy with varying frequency and achieve less impact on the clinical management. Conclusion: Molecular genetic analysis of FNABs is increasingly performed in Germany. Standardization, quality controls, and validation of various methods need to be implemented in the near future to be able to compare the results. With increasing knowledge about the impact of genetic alterations on the prognosis of thyroid carcinomas, recommendations have to be defined that may lead to individually optimized treatment strategies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manijeh Mohammadi ◽  
Carrie Betel ◽  
Kirsteen Rennie Burton ◽  
Kevin McLughlin Higgins ◽  
Zeina Ghorab ◽  
...  

Objective To determine the incidence of malignancy, follow-up ultrasound (US), and repeat fine needle aspiration (FNA) in thyroid nodules that have been previously biopsied as benign. Methods This is a retrospective, descriptive study of benign thyroid nodules evaluated by US between 2010-2011. We determined the frequency of follow-up ultrasounds and FNAs, mean years of follow-up, interval between follow-up US, change in nodule size, reasons for repeat FNA (rFNA), frequency of thyroidectomy, and thyroid malignancy during 5 years of follow-up. Results A total of 733 benign thyroid nodules were reviewed in 615 patients. Mean years of US follow-up was 3.47 ± 1.65 years; 275 (37.5%) had no follow-up US; 109 (14.9%) had 1 follow-up US; 93 (12.7%) had 2 follow-up US; and 256 (34.9%) had 3 or more follow-up US. Assessment of thyroid nodule size showed that 215 (28.8%) nodules decreased in size, 145 (19.4%) increased in size by less than 50%, and 91 (12.1%) increased in size by more than 50%. Of the 733 nodules, 17 nodules (2.3%) underwent thyroidectomy for which the pathology result of 9 (1.2%) showed malignancy, and 65 (8.9%) thyroid nodules underwent rFNA. When applying the 2015 recommendations for repeat FNA, 35% were done unnecessarily. Conclusion In our sample of initially benign thyroid nodules, only 9 patients (1.2%) had pathology-proven malignancy after a mean follow-up of 3.5 years. Over 30% of patients had more than 3 rUSs. Decreased interval and frequency of rUS should be considered in future guidelines for thyroid management.


2015 ◽  
Vol 86 (11) ◽  
pp. e4.126-e4
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Ashton ◽  
Benjamin Smeeton ◽  
Stuart Weatherby

BackgroundSince its introduction in 2000, concerns have been raised about the two week wait (2 WW) referral system for suspected malignancy. Studies have demonstrated poor compliance to guidelines, low detection rates and questioned the time effectiveness of the referral process.MethodAll patients referred under the 2 WW system for suspected CNS malignancy to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth Hospitals NHS trust, over a one-year period were retrospectively audited. Data was gained from clinic letters and radiological imaging. The aims were to determine the number of referrals, their appropriateness and subsequent time taken to outpatient appointment, imaging and final diagnosis.Results103 referrals were made between September 2013 and September 2014 with just 48.5% fulfilling NICE referral guidelines for suspected CNS malignancy. Just three tumours were diagnosed with guidelines identifying all of these. Only 28% of 2 WW referrals received diagnostic imaging and an outpatient appointment within two weeks.ConclusionsUnnecessary referrals are placing strain on the 2 WW system. We suggest that a potential solution is for general practitioners to refer patients for imaging at the same time as they make their neurological 2 WW referral in order to cut down waiting times.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14050-e14050
Author(s):  
Olusola Michael Adeleke ◽  
Rubyyat A Hakim ◽  
Laurence Dean ◽  
Huma Zahid ◽  
Rongyu Lin ◽  
...  

e14050 Background: Historically, metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) referrals trend towards a Friday peak in incidence (Koiter E, Radioth Onc 2013). However, data from a single, tertiary centre in the UK showed a reversal in the Friday peak (Adeleke S, Annals of Oncology 2020). This was attributed to early case referrals and quicker treatment decisions. In this new study, we explored whether a similar pattern was apparent in multiple district general hospital (DGH) settings and attempt to identify underlying causes. DGHs manage a larger proportion of cancer patients in the UK. Methods: 1,069 patients between 1 Jan 2015 and 31 Dec 2020 were identified across 4 hospitals in Kent, UK with a population of 1.6 million people. 220, 181, 182, 159, 134 and 193 MSCC patients were identified annually (2015-2020). Commonest cancers were prostate (24.1%), lung (19.3%) and breast (12.3%). Thoracic and lumbar regions constituted 80% of MSCC sites. Kruskal Wallis was used to compare differences in referrals across weekdays. Data was then dichotomised to Fridays only vs. other days of the week combined, as previously reported (De Bono B, Acta Neurochir 2019). Chi squared was used to compare frequency of referrals between the two groups. Chi squared goodness of fit test was conducted to detect if Friday reflected the day with highest referrals across the week. Results: Across the region, 2015 saw the highest number of Friday referrals relative to other days, p= 0.002. Friday referrals continued to drop, year on year, until 2018 with a corresponding increase in mid-week referrals. After 2018, there was a return in trend to a further Friday peak across the region, though p= 0.836. On an individual hospital basis, the persistent Friday peak in the region was driven by two hospitals. Having a 7-day acute oncology service (AOS), 7-day radiology reporting and single referral point of contact in the department, were factors identified that kept the referrals across the week uniform. On another note, a substantial shift towards a single 8Gy fraction vs. 20Gy in 5 fractions was observed across the region. This change coincided with SCORAD III data (Hoskin P, ASCO 2017) and demonstrates adherence to evidence-based practice in the region. Conclusions: This large multi-centre retrospective study shows a differential referral pattern in the region, with hospitals with 7-day AOS/Radiology reporting and single point of referral (e.g, similar to MSCC coordinator role) having a quicker treatment turnaround and uniform referrals across the week. The MSCC coordinator has been shown to streamline service, ensure timely decision-making and improved survival outcomes (Richards L, Spine J 2017). The role is recommended by NICE UK. DGHs should consider appointing an MSCC coordinator when designing/auditing their service. The shift towards single 8Gy fraction can provide a ‘one-stop’ service where patients are scanned, planned and treated on the same day.


Author(s):  
Jibril Yahya Hudise ◽  
Khalid Ali Alshehri ◽  
Saad Nasser Alqarni ◽  
Yara Assiri ◽  
Ashwaq Asiri ◽  
...  

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Thyroid nodules are common in the general population, especially in women. Non palpable nodules are often found when patients undergo diagnostic imaging such as ultrasonogra­phy and computed tomography of the chest and neck. This retrospective study to assess the Prevalence of thyroid malignancy in thyroid nodule related to gender, age, and pathology, in Aseer Central Hospital KSA. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">During a 5-year period (2011–2016), the medical records of 319 patients with thyroid nodules were collected from the department of pathology at Aseer Central Hospital KSA. The cases were reviewed for data on gender, age, and the pathological result. All patients underwent hemi or total thyroidectomy. Comparisons between genders, age groups, and tissue origins were performed. All statistical tests were performed with SPSS software.  </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Over a period of 5 years, a total of 319 patients: male 17.2% and female 82.8% Underwent for hemi or total thyroidectomy. The age of presentation was ranging from 14 to 80 years. Among the 319 cases of thyroid nodules 73.7% were benign nodules and 26.3% malignant nodules. Papillary thyroid carcinoma in 72.6%, follicular thyroid carcinoma 10.6%, Hurthle cell carcinoma 4.8%, anaplastic carcinoma 4.8%, thyroid lymphoma 4.8% and medullary thyroid carcinoma in 2.4%. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Thyroid nodule is a common clinical problem and the proportion of such nodules that prove to be malignant is not small, investigations are of immense help to corroborate with the clinical and morphological finding. Papillary thyroid carcinoma most common malignant thyroid carcinoma followed by follicular thyroid carcinoma, hurthel cell carcinoma, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, lymphoma and finally medullary thyroid Carcinoma. No significant different between male and female as risk factors for malignancy.</span></p>


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