Does telomerase activity add to the value of fine needle aspirations in evaluating thyroid nodules?

James Sebesta, Tommy Brown, William Williard, M. J. Dehart, Wade Aldous, Jeffery Kavolius, Kenneth Azarow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)420-422
Number of pages3
JournalAmerican journal of surgery
Volume181
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • FNA
  • Fine needle aspirations
  • TRAP assay
  • Telomerase
  • Thyroid

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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