6641 Observation in Lieu of Surgical Management in Hurthle Cell Neoplasm: Role of Thyroseq V3 Molecular Testing
Authors: Kaur Ravleen , Kaur Lavleen , Chaudhary Taibah , Shrivastava Mashu , Patel Nirali 
Published: October 2024

Disclosure: R. Kaur: None. L. Kaur: None. T. Chaudhary: None. M. Shrivastava: None. N. Patel: None.

The diagnostic utility of fine needle aspiration biopsy with cytology is often confounded in thyroid nodules with predominance of hurthle cells, often interpreted as an oncocytic/hurthle cell lesion with intermediate risk of malignancy, bethesda category (BC) III or IV. With the advent of molecular testing like thyroseq V3, it is helpful in ruling out substantial risk of cancer and considering observation in lieu of surgical management in such difficult cases. We present a case of a 75 year old woman with past medical history significant for type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism who was found to have a left lobe complex nodule within a non-toxic multinodular goiter In 2022. Ultrasound of the neck showed a 1.6 x 1.8 x 2 cm intermediate nodule, followed by a fine needle aspiration biopsy which was non-diagnostic and reported as benign, showing only cystic contents and insignificant follicular cells, Bethesda class II. Follow up for the nodule was recommended in one year. Repeat Imaging one year later revealed left nodule without significant changes and repeat fine needle aspiration cytology was advised. The biopsy result was reported as an oncocytic/ Hurthle cell neoplasm, Bethesda class IV. The specimen was also submitted for thyroseq molecular testing and results were awaited. The patient was euthyroid with negative anti thyroid antibodies. There was no family history of thyroid cancer or radiation exposure. The patient denied any active symptoms like shortness of breath, neck pain or pressure, recent voice changes, dysphasia, loss of appetite or weight .On examination the patient was found to have a left thyroid nodule with no signs of tracheal deviation. CT scan of the neck demonstrated a left thyroid nodule with no compression. The patient was followed by both endocrinology and oncology and surgical options were discussed depending upon the biopsy results while awaiting molecular testing report. Molecular testing with thyrosec V3 revealed an absence of gene mutations and reported a low probability of cancer. Depending upon the results observation was considered in lieu of surgical management. Hence It was decided to keep the patient under observation considering the molecular test results in conjunction with all relevant imaging, clinical findings, symptoms, patients family history as well as patients preference. This case report demonstrates the crucial role of molecular Diagnostics specifically thyroseq V3 in the often difficult clinical management of hurthle cell thyroid nodules for ruling out surgical management. Thyroseq V3 shows reliable performance in Hurthle cell cancers with sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 69%. In times of patient guided decision making and ability to narrow down the need of surgery based on pre-operative fine needle aspiration cytology, molecular profiling of thyroid nodules has become increasingly utilized.

Presentation: 6/1/2024