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The preoperative diagnostics of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), including the measuring of the blood calcitonin level, has a number of limitations. Particular focus has recently been placed on the role of miRNAs in the development of various malignant tumors; a comparative analysis of accuracy of the existing methods for MTC diagnosis with a novel diagnosis method, evaluation of the miRNA-375 expression level, was performed in this study. The expression level of miRNA-375 in cytology samples from 555 patients with the known histological diagnosis, including 41 patients with confirmed postoperative diagnosis of MTC, was assessed. The diagnostic parameters of the basal calcitonin level, calcitonin in wash-out fluid from the FNAB needle, and miRNA-375 were compared. An assessment of the miRNA-375 expression level made it possible to detect all the MTC samples with a 100% accuracy among all the 555 cytology specimens, as well as in non-informative FNAB specimens, and specimens from the ipsilateral thyroid lobe. Parameters such as sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 100%. The miRNA-375 level, unlike calcitonin, does not correlate with tumor volume, so it does not have the so-called “gray zone”. An assessment of the miRNA-375 expression allows one to accurately distinguish MTC from other malignant and benign thyroid tumors.

Statement of hormonal activity and potential malignancy are the most important issues of diagnosis and selection of appropriate treatment way for patients with adrenal tumors. Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is rare disease with poor prognosis. Incidience of ACC is about 0.5-2 per million, and no more then 2-4% among adrenal tumors. This draft of guidelines of diagnosis and treatment of ACC is offered to common discussion among wide round of specialists.

The present review deals with diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of endogenous hypercorticism. Key diagnostic steps are described along with main pharmacological tests, instrumental methods, treatment and follow-up strategies.

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