The correlation between fine needle aspiration diagnosis and postoperative histopathological results of pediatric thyroid nodules based on the Bethesda system - Report - MDSpire

The correlation between fine needle aspiration diagnosis and postoperative histopathological results of pediatric thyroid nodules based on the Bethesda system

  • By

  • Xue Bai

  • Jingjing Xu

  • Na Wei

  • Lin Xiao

  • Jinjuan Chen

  • June 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: FNA Outcomes and Surgical Histopathology in Pediatric Thyroid Nodules

Overview

This study evaluates the correlation between fine needle aspiration (FNA) results and postoperative histopathological findings in pediatric thyroid nodules. The findings indicate a high risk of malignancy across Bethesda categories, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnostic evaluation in this population.

Background

Pediatric thyroid nodules are relatively rare but exhibit higher malignancy rates compared to adult nodules, necessitating precise diagnostic methods. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) provides a standardized approach to evaluate these nodules, yet pediatric cases may present unique challenges. Understanding the relationship between FNA results and surgical outcomes is crucial for guiding management decisions in pediatric patients.

Data Highlights

Bethesda CategoryRisk of Malignancy (ROM-C)Risk of Malignancy (ROM-H)
II1.11%-27.27%32.76%
III25.40%-66.67%ROM not specified
IV22.22%-100%ROM not specified
V74.70%-100%ROM not specified
VI82.39%-100%ROM not specified

Key Findings

  • The overall risk of malignancy ranged from 32.76% (ROM-C) to 92.68% (ROM-H) in surgically resected cases.
  • Malignancy risk increased progressively across Bethesda categories, with category VI showing the highest risk.
  • Papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common diagnosis, accounting for 88.62% of malignancies.
  • BRAF V600E mutations were found in 51.53% of histologically confirmed malignancies.
  • The Bethesda system demonstrated a sensitivity of 98.58%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 98.63% for definitive cytological categories.

Clinical Implications

The high diagnostic accuracy of the Bethesda system in pediatric thyroid nodules underscores its utility in clinical practice. Clinicians should consider the elevated malignancy risk associated with indeterminate categories when making surgical decisions. Additionally, BRAF V600E testing may aid in preoperative risk stratification.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of accurate diagnostic evaluation of pediatric thyroid nodules using the Bethesda system, which correlates well with surgical histopathology outcomes. Enhanced understanding of these correlations can improve management strategies in pediatric patients.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Ali SZ, Baloch ZW, Cochand-Priollet B, et al., 2023 -- The 2023 Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology
  2. European Thyroid Association, 2022 -- 2022 European Thyroid Association Guidelines for the management of pediatric thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid carcinoma
  3. PubMed, 2023 -- Malignancy Risk of Paediatric Thyroid Nodules Classified According to the Bethesda System
  4. Frontiers in Endocrinology — Surgical outcomes of Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology diagnostic category class I, II, and III thyroid nodules
  5. Updates in Surgery (Springer) — Risk of malignancy and necessity of completion thyroidectomy in patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules (Bethesda III and IV), more than expected in endemic region
  6. Frontiers in Endocrinology — Clinical and ultrasound-based optimization of post-FNA management decisions in Bethesda III/IV thyroid nodules: a retrospective study
  7. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Approach to the Pediatric Patient With Thyroid Nodules
  8. Assessing the Diagnostic Accuracy of TI-RADS in Pediatric Thyroid Nodules
  9. An Updated Review on the Use of Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Pediatric Thyroid Disease
  10. 2022 European Thyroid Association Guidelines for the management of pediatric thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid carcinoma - PMC
  11. The 2023 Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology - Syed Z. Ali, Zubair W. Baloch, Beatrix Cochand-Priollet, Fernando C. Schmitt, Philippe Vielh, Paul A. VanderLaan, 2023
  12. Pediatric Thyroid Nodules | Pediatrics In Review | American Academy of Pediatrics
  13. Malignancy Risk of Paediatric Thyroid Nodules Classified According to the Bethesda System - PubMed
  14. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology: Risk of Malignancy in Pediatric Thyroid Nodules - PubMed
  15. Toward Standardized Management of Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Call for a Comprehensive Risk Stratification Model | MDPI
  16. Molecular Testing and Surgical Outcomes in Bethesda III and IV Thyroid Nodules: A Retrospective Cohort Study - PubMed

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