Molecular Characterization of Thyroid Lesions in the Era of “Next Generation” Techniques

Thyroid pathologies are considered the most frequent endocrine disorders, and thyroid carcinoma the most frequent endocrine malignant disease. Moreover, the detection of small thyroid nodules by neck ultrasonography has led to an increased incidence of thyroid cancer. The evidence that mortality for thyroid tumors remains stably low indicates a need for precise parameters to distinguish clinically aggressive thyroid nodules. It is now apparent that thyroid tumors show a very strong correlation between genotype and phenotype, a correlation that is much stronger than that observed in tumors of many other organs. Our understanding of the molecular pathology of thyroid cancer has progressed significantly, bringing many benefits in this respect. However, it is necessary to continue this research for better diagnoses and novel therapeutic approaches. Advanced diagnostic strategies may help to better classify thyroid tumor entities and to predict their biological behavior, as prognosis or response to therapy.

The focus of this Research Topic is on the application of novel techniques in characterizing thyroid tumors for diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive purposes. It is dedicated to answering unsolved diagnostic and biological questions in thyroid tumors focusing on novel/advanced strategies in imaging, histological, genetic, and molecular analysis. Researchers are encouraged to submit original research articles on the application of novel/advanced techniques in the characterization of thyroid lesions, both with respect to benign thyroid diseases and thyroid carcinomas. Original research and review articles describing the state of the art and systematic reviews on this topic are also encouraged, as well as work in the following areas:
• Thyroid tumors
• Molecular pathology of thyroid tumors
• Preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules
• Biological Markers
• Thyroid disease
• Thyroid associated disease