Abstract
Background: Telomerase replaces DNA sequences that are lost with cell division. Increased activity has been documented in malignant cells. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) has a 90% sensitivity for diagnosis of papillary carcinomas, but a specificity of 52%. This often leads to unnecessary surgery. Methods: Telomeric repeat amplification protocol assays were performed on FNA specimens of thyroid nodules in 19 patients. These results were compared with the surgical pathology using chi-square analysis. Results: There were 5 malignant and 14 benign nodules. Telomerase activity was found in 3 of 5 malignant (60%) and 9 of 14 benign (64%): sensitivity was 60%, specificity was 36%. Conclusion: Telomerase assays did not add any additional information to FNA alone. Inflammatory changes associated with benign and malignant lesions can possess telomerase activity independent of the malignant state.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 420-422 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | American journal of surgery |
Volume | 181 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- FNA
- Fine needle aspirations
- TRAP assay
- Telomerase
- Thyroid
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery