NEOPLASMS OF THE THYROID GLAND: ROLE OF MOLECULAR MARKERS IN DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT
Nodular goiter is a widespread pathology of the thyroid gland. Establishing the morphological nature of these nodular formations is based on a complex examination, including a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, being the final method of verification the diagnosis on the preoperative stage. However, up to 20-30% of fine-needle aspiration biopsy findings may be uncertain, which makes it difficult to choose an adequate treatment strategy. Studies conducted in recent decades have made it possible to get closer for understanding the genetic mechanisms of the occurrence and development of thyroid cancer. These data led to attempts to use molecular genetic testing for the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. The article presents an overview of the most common molecular genetic panels, describes the factors affecting their diagnostic efficiency. The indications and conditions for the use of molecular testing in clinical practice have been discussed.