Comparative analysis of pre‐operative ultrasound and histopathology in small papillary thyroid carcinoma in the era of active surveillance

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundContemporary management of small papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) includes active surveillance (AS) as a number of these tumours are indolent. Overseas studies have reported AS in tumours up to 15 mm. This study aims to look at an Australian cohort of patients who have had surgery for non‐incidental PTCs and analyse their pre‐operative ultrasound and histopathology data to investigate potential issues that might arise in the era of AS.MethodsRetrospective review of 82 patients who had surgical removal of PTCs ≤15 mm in diameter. Pre‐operative ultrasound imaging was reviewed by an experienced sonologist and histopathology data was obtained from medical records. The AS risk stratification framework by Brito et al. was used to determine those who were feasible for AS based on ultrasound findings.ResultsReview of pre‐operative ultrasounds demonstrated there were 68 (82.9%) patients who were shown to be either appropriate or ideal for AS. On review of histopathology, 49 (69%) patients had at least one adverse pathological risk factor. This is more than half of the patients that were originally identified as candidates for AS.ConclusionOur study has revealed a large proportion were suitable for AS but when compared with histopathological guidelines there was a high incidence of adverse pathological features found. This discrepancy indicates that although the guidelines are important, there are unknown pathological variables that need to be considered in patients selected for AS.