<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Introduction. The encapsulated, non-invasive subtype of follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) represents approximately 10% to 20% of all thyroid cancers. Many studies over the past decade have shown that these tumors carry an indolent clinical course, with no recurrence, even in patients treated by lobectomy. Their reclassification as neoplasms with “very low malignant potential” has recently been suggested by an international group of experts and a new terminology was proposed: “non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features” (NIFTP). However, a diagnosis of NIFTP is still challenging for many pathologists in daily practice. Presentation of case series. By presenting six illustrative cases of NIFTP, this article aims to highlight the diagnostic criteria and the burden difficulties when dealing with NIFTP cases. Characteristic histological features, inclusion and exclusion criteria for NIFTP, as well as sampling guidelines and differential diagnosis challenges are all discussed. Conclusions. The diagnosis of NIFTP is not straightforward and requires meeting strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Total sampling of the tumor capsule in these cases is mandatory in order to exclude invasion (capsular and/or vascular). A diagnosis of NIFTP promotes a less-aggressive patient management that is, no need for completion thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine therapy.</p></abstract>

Introduction. The encapsulated, non-invasive subtype of follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) represents approximately 10% to 20% of all thyroid cancers. Many studies over the past decade have shown that these tumors carry an indolent clinical course, with no recurrence, even in patients treated by lobectomy. Their reclassification as neoplasms with “very low malignant potential” has recently been suggested by an international group of experts and a new terminology was proposed: “non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features” (NIFTP). However, a diagnosis of NIFTP is still challenging for many pathologists in daily practice. Presentation of case series. By presenting six illustrative cases of NIFTP, this article aims to highlight the diagnostic criteria and the burden difficulties when dealing with NIFTP cases. Characteristic histological features, inclusion and exclusion criteria for NIFTP, as well as sampling guidelines and differential diagnosis challenges are all discussed. Conclusions. The diagnosis of NIFTP is not straightforward and requires meeting strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Total sampling of the tumor capsule in these cases is mandatory in order to exclude invasion (capsular and/or vascular). A diagnosis of NIFTP promotes a less-aggressive patient management that is, no need for completion thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine therapy.

Histopathological Diagnostic Criteria for Non-invasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like Nuclear Features Highlighted by Six Illustrative Cases

Acta Marisiensis - Seria Medica

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Introduction. The encapsulated, non-invasive subtype of follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) represents approximately 10% to 20% of all...

Histopathological Diagnostic Criteria for Non-invasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like Nuclear Features Highlighted by Six Illustrative Cases

Published Online: Sep 25, 2018

Page range: 121 - 125

Received: Jun 11, 2018

Accepted: Jul 25, 2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/amma-2018-0015

Keywords
NIFTP, thyroid neoplasm, papillary thyroid carcinoma

© 2018 Adela Nechifor-Boilă, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Histopathological Diagnostic Criteria for Non-invasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like Nuclear Features Highlighted by Six Illustrative Cases

Published Online: Sep 25, 2018

Page range: 121 - 125

Received: Jun 11, 2018

Accepted: Jul 25, 2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/amma-2018-0015

KeywordsNIFTP, thyroid neoplasm, papillary thyroid carcinoma

© 2018 Adela Nechifor-Boilă, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Keywords
NIFTP, thyroid neoplasm, papillary thyroid carcinoma