To evaluate the diagnostic utility of combining FNA-Tg and BRAF V600E analysis in detecting cervical lymph node metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
Approach:
Case Report: A 52-year-old female with PTC underwent FNAC, which returned negative for cervical lymph node metastasis, while FNA-Tg and BRAF V600E tests were positive. A re-evaluation confirmed cervical lymph node micrometastasis.
Surgical Technique: The patient underwent total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection, with intraoperative FNA performed on a suspected metastatic lymph node.
Diagnostic Examination: FNA-Tg was measured at > 500 ng/mL, and BRAF V600E mutation status was assessed.
Key Findings:
FNA-Tg and BRAF V600E analysis can rectify histopathological misdiagnoses.
The combination of these tests may improve diagnostic accuracy for cervical lymph node metastasis in PTC.
Interpretation:
The integration of FNA-Tg and BRAF V600E provides a potential strategy for better diagnosing cervical lymph node metastases in PTC patients.
Limitations:
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Further research is needed to establish optimal cutoff values for FNA-Tg.
Conclusion:
Combining FNA-Tg and BRAF V600E analysis may enhance diagnostic capabilities for cervical lymph node metastasis in PTC.
