<i>BRAF</i> Mutation Testing of Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Specimens for Preoperative Risk Stratification in Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Abstract

Preoperative BRAF mutation testing of FNAB specimens provides a novel tool to preoperatively identify PTC patients at higher risk for extensive disease (extrathyroidal extension and lymph node metastases) and those who are more likely to manifest disease persistence/recurrence. BRAF mutation, as a powerful risk prognostic marker, may therefore be useful in appropriately tailoring the initial surgical extent for patients with PTC.