Clinical application of molecular testing of fine-needle aspiration specimens in thyroid nodules.

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, and its incidence is increasing. Thyroid cancer is typically diagnosed during the evaluation of thyroid nodules. Although most thyroid nodules are benign, the challenge is to accurately and effectively identify malignant nodules. Understanding of genetic pathways involved in thyroid carcinogenesis has improved, and molecular testing techniques have become widespread and cost-efficient. Routine testing for somatic mutations and rearrangements that are commonly found in thyroid cancer can augment current diagnostic testing algorithms for thyroid nodules, and can provide preoperative prognostic information that helps to optimize initial patient management.