Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction-based detection of thyroid-specific gene expression in fine-needle aspirate for thyroid cancer recurrence evaluation: a case report and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Despite improved surveillance for patients after total thyroidectomy for cancer, there has yet to be a diagnostic method that detects recurrence with 100% accuracy.


METHODS
A 60-year-old woman with a family history of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) underwent total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine ablation. On postoperative surveillance, ultrasound examination of the neck demonstrated a focus concerning for recurrence and a fine-needle aspirate (FNA) was performed. The cytology report was nondiagnostic and, hence, RNA was extracted from the specimen followed by reverse transcription (cDNA), and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to detect thyroid-specific gene expression (thyroglobulin =Tg; sodium-iodide symporter = NIS; thyroperoxidase = TPO).


RESULTS
Expression of select thyroid-specific genes was demonstrated, and given the patient's remarkable cancer and family history, surgical resection was elected. Final pathology demonstrated follicular adenoma.


CONCLUSION
This case demonstrates a novel approach used in the evaluation for recurrent thyroid cancer as an adjunct to FNA cytology.
['Azoury|Saïd C|SC|', 'Aufforth|Rachel|R|', 'He|Mei|M|', 'Yang|Zhiming|Z|', 'Nilubol|Naris|N|', 'Kebebew|Electron|E|']
D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle D002277:Carcinoma D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary D005260:Female D005500:Follow-Up Studies D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease D006801:Humans D007150:Immunohistochemistry D008875:Middle Aged D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction D012086:Reoperation D027981:Symporters D000077273:Thyroid Cancer, Papillary D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms D013965:Thyroidectomy D016896:Treatment Outcome
fine-needle aspirate thyroid cancer recurrence diagnosis polymerase chain reaction (PCR)