Understanding and Overcoming the Pitfalls in Cytopathological Diagnosis of Hyalinizing Trabecular Tumor of Thyroid

Hyalinizing trabecular tumor (HTT), a rare low-malignant-potential thyroid neoplasm, is usually treated with conservative surgery. However, cytomorphological diagnosis of HTT is challenging due to the significant overlap of nuclear features with more common malignancies such as papillary thyroid car...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inInternational journal of surgical pathology Vol. 32; no. 1; p. 91
Main Authors Mahjabin, Fnu, Gonsalves, Catherine, Drew, Peter A, Mukhtar, Faisal, Leon, Marino E
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.02.2024
Subjects
thyroid
molecular pathology
cytopathology
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Summary:Hyalinizing trabecular tumor (HTT), a rare low-malignant-potential thyroid neoplasm, is usually treated with conservative surgery. However, cytomorphological diagnosis of HTT is challenging due to the significant overlap of nuclear features with more common malignancies such as papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), which usually requires more radical surgical intervention. To avoid unnecessary overtreatment, a precise diagnosis of HTT is therefore essential. Advances in molecular diagnostics provide the opportunity to overcome the limitations of cytological analysis. We present a case of HTT in a 71-year-old male who was initially suspected to be PTC based on cytopathology. However, further molecular analysis revealed gene fusion, classifying the lesion as HTT and preventing surgical overtreatment. We discuss the diagnostic pitfall of cytopathology in HTT and suggest using emerging molecular genetic tools to avoid it.
ISSN:1940-2465
DOI:10.1177/10668969231166295