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Common Diagnostic Pitfalls in Thyroid Cytopathology pp 89–107Cite as

Molecular Testing

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Abstract

Recent advances have led to a better understating of the molecular pathways of thyroid carcinogenesis, in particular, papillary thyroid carcinoma, which is closely associated with the MAPK pathway. Various novel molecular diagnostic tests based on the detection of molecular biomarkers have been developed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid FNA with equivocal cytologic interpretations. The current commercially available molecular tools used in routine clinical setting are based on either the rule-out (gene expression classifier) or rule-in (somatic genetic mutations) approaches. New testing platforms, such as those based on next-gene sequencing or microRNAs, are continually being developed to offer more economical, streamlined, targeted, and accurate molecular diagnostic tools. Last but not least, it is important to recognize that molecular testing, like patient demographics and history, physical examination, thyroid ultrasound, hormonal assay, as well as FNA biopsy, is just one of many steps that can be undertaken in the evaluation of a thyroid nodule.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA

    Adebowale J. Adeniran

  2. Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY, USA

    David Chhieng

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  1. Adebowale J. Adeniran
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  2. David Chhieng
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Adeniran, A.J., Chhieng, D. (2016). Molecular Testing. In: Common Diagnostic Pitfalls in Thyroid Cytopathology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31602-4_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31602-4_7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-31600-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-31602-4

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