What is a molecular test of the thyroid?

In thyroid cancer, molecular diagnostic tests enable oncologists to evaluate thyroid nodules with atypical, suspicious, or indeterminate fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology to determine the best course of treatment based on cytopathological result.

How long does molecular thyroid testing take?

You can get your results in as fast as a few days, though it could take up to 2 weeks. Ask your doctor when you should find out. What happens next depends on what the biopsy showed.

How much does thyroid molecular testing cost?

In the base-case analysis, the average per-patient cost of StC for evaluation and treatment of a thyroid nodule was $578, which includes all testing and procedure-related costs. Use of molecular testing increased the average per-patient cost of nodule evaluation by $104, i.e. to $682.

What is a molecular diagnostic test?

Molecular diagnostic testing combines laboratory testing with the precision of molecular biology and has revolutionized the way clinical and public health laboratories investigate the human, viral, and microbial genomes, their genes, and the products they encode.

How many types of thyroid tests are there?

Available tests include the T3, T3RU, T4, and TSH. The thyroid is a small gland located in the lower-front part of your neck. It’s responsible for helping regulate many bodily processes, such as metabolism, energy generation, and mood. The thyroid produces two major hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

How accurate is Afirma testing?

Afirma GEC test specificity is 52% (4), suggesting that just over half of the benign nodules are called GEC benign. Test PPV measures the fraction of “positive” calls by the test (e.g. Afirma GEC suspicious) that are correct. Afirma GEC test PPV is 37-38% amongst Bethesda III and IV nodules (4).

What is molecular blood test?

(muh-LEH-kyoo-ler TES-ting) A laboratory method that uses a sample of tissue, blood, or other body fluid to check for certain genes, proteins, or other molecules that may be a sign of a disease or condition, such as cancer.

What is molecular testing for thyroid nodules?

Molecular testing complements cytology to help triage thyroid nodules into those that can be monitored and those that should be resected. It has replaced diagnostic lobectomy as the next step in the management of indeterminate nodules and has saved 50% of patients from undergoing surgery.

What is measuring molecular markers in thyroid biopsies?

Measuring molecular markers, which are gene mutations that are seen in cancer, allows the identification of indeterminate biopsies as benign and, thus, to avoid surgery. There are 3 such companies offering measurement of molecular markers in thyroid biopsy specimens:

What is the relationship between cytology and molecular testing in thyroid cancer?

Thyroid nodules are common; thyroid cancer is rare. Molecular testing complements cytology to help triage thyroid nodules into those that can be monitored and those that should be resected.

Can genetic testing help diagnose thyroid cancer?

Genetic testing is available for certain types of cancer and can be used to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. Genetic and molecular testing can also help doctors choose targeted therapies and design a treatment plan. Unfortunately, the final diagnosis of thyroid cancer is not obtained until after the thyroid nodule has been surgically removed.