Background: Cystic type of thyroid papillary carcinoma is a rare independent disease of this organ. Its prevalence among papillary carcinomas is from 2.5 to 6%.Aim: To identify ultrasonographic features of the cystic form of papillary carcinoma for the differential diagnosis of solitary liquid neoplasms of the thyroid and to elaborate an optimal technique for its fine-needle aspiration biopsy.Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data on the diagnosis and treatment of 29 patients with the cystic type of thyroid papillary carcinoma (26 women, 3 men, mean age 52 years). The instrumental diagnosis was based on a comprehensive ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy.Results: We identified the following ultrasonographic characteristics of “potentially malignant” cystic nodules of the thyroid: the wall thickness of 2 to 3 mm with marginal tissue components of various size (from 10 mm to 3 cm in diameter) and microcalcinates; presence of focal blood supply by color Doppler mapping; homogeneity and low echogenicity of the liquid component. Conclusion: The right interpretation of the ultrasonographic results and adequately performed fine-needle aspiration biopsy help to verify the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma and to avoid mistake in the treatment of this patient category.
Retrospective evaluation of the efficiency of fine needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland