Ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of a cystic type of thyroid papillary cancer

Abstract

Background: Cystic type of thyroid papillary carcinoma is a rare independent disease of this organ. Its prevalence among papillary carcinomas is from 2.5 to 6%.Aim: To identify ultrasonographic features of the cystic form of papillary carcinoma for the differential diagnosis of solitary liquid neoplasms of the thyroid and to elaborate an optimal technique for its fine-needle aspiration biopsy.Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data on the diagnosis and treatment of 29 patients with the cystic type of thyroid papillary carcinoma (26 women, 3 men, mean age 52 years). The instrumental diagnosis was based on a comprehensive ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy.Results: We identified the following ultrasonographic characteristics of “potentially malignant” cystic nodules of the thyroid: the wall thickness of 2 to 3 mm with marginal tissue components of various size (from 10 mm to 3 cm in diameter) and microcalcinates; presence of focal blood supply by color Doppler mapping; homogeneity and low echogenicity of the liquid component. Conclusion: The right interpretation of the ultrasonographic results and adequately performed fine-needle aspiration biopsy help to verify the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma and to avoid mistake in the treatment of this patient category.