Role of molecular diagnostic markers in the management of indeterminate and suspicious thyroid nodules

Abstract

Incidental thyroid nodules are commonly found during routine neck examination. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) followed by cytological examination is currently considered as the most reliable method for evaluation of thyroid nodules. However, 10–40% of FNA results are inconclusive, and are reported as indeterminate or suspicious. Approximately 20% of indeterminate or suspicious nodules are malignant. Therefore, there has been an increasing trend in use of molecular markers as an adjunctive measure for more accurate preoperative diagnosis of indeterminate or suspicious nodules. Molecular markers can be used alone or as a part of molecular panels. Although some investigations revealed promising findings regarding the potential use of molecular markers in the management of thyroid nodules, their true impact on management of patients with indeterminate nodules is still unclear.