Extrathyroidal implantation of thyroid tumor cells after needle biopsy and other invasive procedures.
BACKGROUND
Implantation of thyroid cells (ITC) into extrathyroidal locations is a rare complication of thyroid fine-needle biopsy (FNB) and thyroid surgery. Here we review the prevalence, likely pathogenesis, treatment, and likely ways to minimize this complication of invasive thyroid procedures and present an illustrative patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Tumor aggressiveness more likely leads to ITC after FNB. Large needle size may be associated with increased risk of ITC. Number of passages during biopsy, excessive suction, needle withdrawal without releasing suction, and injection of tumor cells during biopsy may be associated with ITC after FNB. This statement is based on rational hypotheses. Cutting or rupture of a thyroid nodule during surgery leads to ITC into extrathyroidal soft tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
ITC occurs rarely with needles smaller than 23 gauge. Some authorities suggest the use of gentle suction and release suction during extraction and a reduced number of passes based on entirely theoretical grounds. In conventional surgery, lobectomy for all thyroid nodules rather than nodulectomy or partial lobectomy should be performed. If endoscopic surgery is performed on larger nodules, the surgeon should take great care to avoid rupturing the tumor.
Moon
Hee Jung
HJ
Department of Radiology, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea.
Park
Sung Hee
SH
Hong
Soon Won
SW
Kim
Eun-Kyung
EK
Chung
Woung Youn
WY
Kim
Min Jung
MJ
Son
Eun Ju
EJ
Park
Cheong Soo
CS
Nam
Kee-Hyun
KH
Kwak
Jin Young
JY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy