Dual use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco among active duty service members in the US military.

The high prevalence of dual use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco is a unique tobacco use behavior in the US military population. However, dual tobacco use has rarely been addressed in active duty populations. We aimed to identify factors contributing to dual tobacco use among active duty service members from Army and Air Force. We also compared age at initiation, duration of use, and amount of use between dual users and exclusive users. The study included 168 exclusive cigarette smokers, 171 exclusive smokeless tobacco users, and 110 dual users. In stepwise logistic regression, smokeless tobacco use among family members (OR = 4.78, 95% CI = 2.05-11.13 for father use vs. no use, OR = 3.39, 95% CI = 1.56-7.37 for other relatives use vs. no use), and deployment history (serving combat unit vs. combat support unit: OR = 4.12, 95% CI = 1.59-10.66; never deployed vs. combat support unit: OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.45-7.61) were factors identified to be associated with dual use relative to exclusive cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking among family members (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.07-3.60 for sibling smoking), high perception of harm using smokeless tobacco (OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.29-4.26), secondhand smoke exposure (OR = 4.83, 95% CI = 2.73-8.55), and lower education (associated degree or some college: OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.01-7.51; high school of lower: OR = 4.10, 95% CI = 1.45-11.61) were factors associated with dual use relative to exclusive smokeless tobacco use. Compared to exclusive cigarette smokers, dual users started smoking at younger age, smoked cigarettes for longer period, and smoked more cigarettes per day. Our study addressed dual tobacco use behavior in military population and has implications to tobacco control programs in the military.

The role of thyroidectomy in metastatic disease to the thyroid gland.

BACKGROUND: Whether thyroidectomy for metastases to the thyroid is associated with a survival benefit remains debatable; in general, palliation and disease control are accepted goals in this setting. We evaluated the clinical features and overall survival of patients with thyroid metastasis treated by thyroid resection or nonoperatively. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 90 patients identified with metastasis to the thyroid confirmed pathologically via thyroidectomy (n = 31) or fine-needle aspiration biopsy (n = 59). Overall survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences between groups were calculated by Pearson's χ (2) coefficient. RESULTS: The most common primary malignancies were renal cell (20%), head and neck (19%), and lung (18%). The median time from primary tumor diagnosis to thyroid metastasis diagnosis was 37.4 months (range 0-210 months). Most metastases (69%) were metachronous, and 12% were isolated. The median follow-up after diagnosis of thyroid metastasis was 11.5 months (range 0-112 months). Median overall survival was longer in thyroidectomy patients compared to the fine-needle aspiration group (34 vs. 11 months, P < 0.0001). Patients with renal cell primary tumors were more likely to undergo thyroidectomy than patients with other primary tumors (78 vs. 24%, P < 0.0001). Nearly all patients with lung primary tumors died within 24 months of thyroid metastasis diagnosis, and thyroidectomy was only offered to three patients. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroidectomy was safe for selected patients with metastatic disease to the thyroid. Patients with metachronous or renal cell metastasis to the thyroid and whose primary tumor is/was treatable may be appropriate candidates for resection. Lung cancer metastasis to the thyroid is generally an ominous sign.

Operative failure in minimally invasive parathyroidectomy utilizing an intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is a targeted operation to cure primary hyperparathyroidism utilizing intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring (IOPTH). The purpose of this study was to quantify the operative failure of MIP. METHODS: Utilizing institutional parathyroid surgery database, demographic, operative, and biochemical data were analyzed for successful and failed MIP. Operative failure was defined as <6 months of eucalcemia after operation. RESULTS: Five hundred thirty-eight patients (96.6 %) had successful MIP with mean follow-up of 13 months, and 19 (3.4 %) had operative failure. The major cause of operative failure (11 of 19) was the result of surgeons' inability to identify all abnormal parathyroid glands. The remaining eight operative failures were the result of falsely positive IOPTH results. Eleven of 19 patients whose MIP had failed underwent a second parathyroid surgery. All but one of these patients achieved operative success, and 9 patients had missed multigland disease. Only 46 (8.3 %) of 557 patients had conversion to bilateral cervical exploration (BCE). Eighty percent of patients had more than 70 % IOPTH decrease, and all had successful operations. Patients with a marginal IOPTH decrease (50-59 %) had a treatment failure rate of 20 %. CONCLUSIONS: The most common cause of operative failure in MIP utilizing IOPTH was the result of surgeons' failure to identify all abnormal parathyroid glands. Falsely positive IOPTH is rare, and a targeted MIP utilizing IOPTH can achieve an excellent operative success rate without routine BCE. Selective BCE on patients with marginal IOPTH decrease may improve surgical outcome.

Race does not impact pancreatic cancer treatment and survival in an equal access federal health care system.

BACKGROUND: Black patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been reported to undergo surgical resection less frequently and to have a shorter overall survival duration than white patients. We sought to determine whether disparities in clinical management and overall survival exist between black and white patients with PDAC treated in an equal access health care system. METHODS: Using the Department of Defense (DoD) tumor registry database from 1993 to 2007, patient, tumor, and treatment factors were analyzed to compare rates of therapy and survival between black and white patients. RESULTS: Of 1,008 patients with PDAC, 157 were black (15 %). Thirty-six percent of black and 37 % of white patients presented with locoregional disease (p = 0.85). Among those with locoregional cancers, the odds of black patients having received surgical resection (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.60-1.89), chemotherapy (OR 0.92, 95 % CI 0.49-1.73) and radiotherapy (OR 1.14, 95 % CI 0.61-2.10) were not different from those of whites. Among those with distant disease, the odds of having received palliative chemotherapy were also similar (OR 0.91, 95 % CI 0.55-1.51). Black and white patients with PDAC had a similar median overall survival. In a multivariate analysis, as compared to whites, black race was not associated with shorter overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: We observed no disparities in either management or survival between white and black patients with PDAC treated in the DoD's equal access health care system. These data suggest that improving the access of minorities with PDAC to health care may reduce disparities in their oncologic outcomes.

Effect of race on colon cancer treatment and outcomes in the Department of Defense healthcare system.

PURPOSE: The increase in mortality noted in African Americans with colon cancer is attributed to advanced stage at presentation and disparities in treatment received. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of race on the treatments and survival of colon cancer patients in an equal-access healthcare system. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included African American and white patients with colon cancer treated at Department of Defense facilities. Disease stage, surgery performed, chemotherapy used, and overall survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 6958 colon cancer patients identified, 1115 were African American. African Americans presented more frequently with stage IV disease, 23% vs 17% for whites (P < .001). There was no difference in surgical resection rates for African American or whites (85.8% vs 85.5%, respectively; chi2, P > .05). There was no difference in the use of systemic chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer (73.5% for African Americans vs 72.2% for whites; chi2, P > .05) or stage IV colon cancer (56.3% for African Americans vs 54.4% for whites; chi2, P > .05). The overall 5-year survival rate was similar for African American and white patients (56.1% vs 58.5%, respectively; log-rank, P > .05). After adjusting for gender, age, tumor grade, and stage, African American race was not a risk factor for survival in Cox proportional hazard analysis (hazard ratio, 0.981; 95% confidence interval, 0.888-1.084). CONCLUSIONS: In an equal-access healthcare system, African American race is not associated with an increase in mortality. African American patients undergo surgery and chemotherapy is administered at rates equal to whites for all stages of colon cancer.

Electronic Cigarette Use and Related Factors among Active Duty Service Members in the U.S. Military.

INTRODUCTION: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are increasingly used in the U.S.A. by young people. As young adults serve as the primary recruiting pool for military, active duty service members in military may be susceptible to using e-cigarettes. However, factors related to e-cigarette use in military population have rarely been studied. We aimed to identify factors associated with e-cigarette use and factors related to duration of use among active duty service members. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects (N = 2,467) from Fort Bragg Army Base, North Carolina and Lackland Air Force Base, Texas completed a self-administered questionnaire during July 2015 to May 2016 time frame. The questionnaire collected data on demographic and military characteristics, tobacco use (including e-cigarette use) and other information. Stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify significant factors associated with e-cigarette use. Stepwise linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with duration of use. RESULTS: A total of 356 (14.4%) study participants reported ever use of e-cigarettes. There was no significant difference in prevalence of use between the two military installations (15.6% at Fort Bragg vs. 13.2% at Lackland, P = 0.097). Increased use of e-cigarettes was associated with young age (20-24 years old) (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.22-3.22), enlisted military rank (E1-E4: OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.36-4.40; E5-E9: OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.10-3.21), low perception of harm (OR = 5.18, 95% CI = 3.65-7.34), former (OR = 9.12, 95% CI = 6.29-13.22) and current (OR = 13.24, 95% CI = 9.22-19.02) cigarette smoking, and former smokeless tobacco use (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.33-3.22), former (OR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.42-4.85) and current (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.82-4.37) cigar or pipe smoking. However, serving mainly in combat unit during deployment was associated with decreased odds of use (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.34-0.97). Among e-cigarette users, the number of years using e-cigarettes was significantly longer among the participants with lower perception of harm than those with higher perception of harm (0.82 vs. 0.22, P < 0.001), and the duration was longer among subjects who used e-cigarette with nicotine than those without nicotine (0.79 vs. 0.49, P = 0.003). Finally, reasons for use differed markedly by cigarette smoking status. Never smokers used e-cigarette for the taste or flavor, while cigarette smokers used e-cigarette to help quit tobacco or reduce tobacco use. CONCLUSION: Young age, lower military ranks, other tobacco use, and low perception of harm were associated with increased odds of using e-cigarettes, while serving in combat unit was associated with decreased odds of use in active duty service members. Low harm perception and using nicotine-containing e-cigarettes were associated with long duration of use. The reasons for using e-cigarettes differed by cigarette smoking status. Our study provides clues for future hypothesis-driven studies.

Lymph node evaluation of colon cancer and its association with improved staging and survival in the Department of Defense Health Care System.

BACKGROUND: Improved survival is associated with an increased number of lymph nodes (LNs) examined. The aim of this study was to assess whether the examination of >or=12 LNs is associated with more accurate colon cancer staging. METHODS: We queried the Department of Defense Automated Central Tumor Registry database for stage I-III colon cancer patients. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether the examination of >or=12 LNs is associated with increased rates of LN-positive colon cancer. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of number of LNs examined on survival. RESULTS: The rate of LN-positive colon cancer is significantly higher with increasing number of LNs examined (1-3 LNs examined: 31% vs. >12 LNs examined: 41%, P<.001). Logistic regression analysis adjusting for patients, tumor, and hospital characteristics showed that examination of >or=12 LNs is associated with a >30% increase in detecting a LN-positive colon cancer (odds ratio, 1.350; 95% confidence interval, 1.175-1.511). The evaluation of >or=12 LNs is associated with improved survival in LN-negative colon cancer patients (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that the proportion of LN-positive colon cancer is far higher when >or=12 LNs are examined. Examination of >or=12 LNs may improve staging accuracy and outcome with optimal use of systemic chemotherapy.

Survival trends in children with hepatoblastoma.

PURPOSE: Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a relatively rare pediatric malignancy. In this study, we present demographic data and a survival analysis from the largest patient cohort with HB reported to date. METHODS: The surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database was queried from 1973 to 2005 for all patients diagnosed with HB. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted to determine actuarial survival. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine hazard ratios (HR) for prognostic variables. RESULTS: During the study period, 459 patients with HB were identified. Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates for the entire patient cohort were 76, 63, and 60%, respectively. Five-year survival improved over time from 36 (1973-1982) to 63% (1983-2005). Predictors of poor survival include: age 2 years and greater (HR 1.566), black race (HR 1.910), diagnosis prior to 1983 (HR 3.327), inability to perform surgical resection (HR 3.857), regional disease (HR 1.939), and distant disease (HR 3.196). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatoblastoma continues to challenge surgeons and oncologists. Most children are diagnosed early in life and undergo surgical resection whenever possible. With the advent of efficacious chemotherapy, survival has improved. Older children, black patients, and those who present with advanced disease tend to have poor outcomes. Surgical resection is the single most important predictor of survival.

Elective inguinal hernia repair during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

OBJECTIVE: While there have been many publications regarding trauma care in the deployed environment, there is little discussion on the management of the more mundane maladies. This article examines the role of elective surgical intervention for inguinal hernia repairs within theater. Current U.S. policy transports service members out of theater for elective repair and convalescence. In these times of limited man power, this can represent a significant loss of the fighting strength. METHODS: Between January 2006 and July 2006, military surgeons at the 47th Combat Support Hospital in Iraq repaired 11 inguinal hernias. All patients were encouraged to resume normal duty and physical training as soon as possible. A post-procedure questionnaire was completed 6-12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Four repairs were completed with the Prolene Hernia System (PHS; Ethicon, West Somerville, NJ) and seven repairs using the plug and patch method (C. R. Bard, Inc., Murray Hill, NJ). Ten patients were available for follow-up. There were no wound infections, nerve injuries, or recurrences. Patients returned to full duty within 3 days to 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our experience and the feedback from our patients, no complications were noted in this small population of elective hernia repairs. Further prospective trials with long term follow-up are needed to confirm these initial findings.

Deployment and Smokeless Tobacco Use Among Active Duty Service Members in the U.S. Military.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use among U.S. active duty service members has been much higher than in the U.S. general population. The association between deployment and smokeless tobacco use has not been well studied. We investigated the association between deployment and smokeless tobacco use among U.S. active duty service members. We also evaluated the modification effects from other factors related to smokeless tobacco use on the deployment-smokeless tobacco use association. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible active duty service members stationed at two military installations (Fort Bragg, NC, USA and Lackland Air Force Base, TX, USA) were recruited from July 2015 to May 2016. Each participant completed a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between deployment and smokeless tobacco use and estimated odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Stratified analysis was performed to evaluate modification effects from other commonly known factors related to smokeless tobacco use in military, specifically, cigarette smoking status, use among family members (family history of use), perception of harm, and use among military peers. RESULTS: Out of 2,465 study participants who completed the questionnaire, 548 were smokeless tobacco users. Service members who had been deployed to a combat zone had 1.39 fold (95% CI = 1.03-1.87) increased odds of using smokeless tobacco than those who never deployed to a combat zone. The odds of smokeless tobacco use among those who had been deployed once, twice, three times and four or more times to a combat zone were 1.27 (95% CI = 0.91-1.78), 1.30 (95% CI = 0.85-1.99), 2.49 (95% CI = 1.45-4.28), and 2.88 (95% CI = 1.71-4.86), respectively, with a significant dose-response trend (p for trend <0.0001). Further, subjects who served in combat units during deployment exhibited more than two-fold increased odds of use as compared with those who had never been deployed (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.41-2.93). In stratified analysis, the association between deployment and smokeless tobacco use was only present among subjects who never smoked cigarettes, those without family history of smokeless tobacco use, and those who had low perception of harm of use. CONCLUSIONS: Military deployment was associated with smokeless tobacco use among active service members. However, the influence of military deployment on smokeless tobacco use was not equally strong on all service members. Subjects who never smoked cigarettes, who had no family history of use and who had low perception of harm were the most susceptible subgroups to deployment-related smokeless tobacco use. This study has implications to identify high-risk subgroups to reduce smokeless tobacco use in the U.S. military.

Smokeless Tobacco Use and Related Factors: A Study in the US Military Population.

ObjectivesThe prevalence of smokeless tobacco use in the US military is alarmingly high. We aimed to identify factors related to smokeless tobacco use among active duty service members. Methods Participants (N = 2465) from Fort Bragg Army Base, North Carolina and Lackland Air Force Base, Texas completed a self-administered questionnaire. We performed stepwise logistic regression analysis to identify factors statistically associated with smokeless tobacco use. Results The prevalence of use was higher at the Army base than the Air Force base (32.6% vs 11.6%). White race, cigarette smoking, low perception of harm, and family history of use were significant factors identified at both sites. Compared with users from the Air Force base, users from the army base tended to be current heavy users with longer duration of use, and who started at an older age after joining military and made less effort to quit. Current Department of Defense (DoD) cessation resources were not being utilized by active duty service members. Conclusions We identified statistically significant factors related to smokeless tobacco among active duty service members. The non-utilization of the DoD cessation resources calls for a cessation strategy that meets the special needs of military personnel.

Development of the Cancer Survivor Profile-Breast Cancer (CSPro-BC) app: patient and nurse perspectives on a new navigation tool.

PURPOSE: Despite advancements in care, cancer survivors continue to report unmet needs following active cancer treatment. The Cancer Survivor Profile-Breast Cancer (CSPro-BC) application (app) was developed to help address these needs, using breast cancer survivors (BCS) as a pilot group. This paper describes the app development, BCS and nurse perceptions of the app, and changes made based on this feedback. METHODS: The CSPro-BC app was developed for use on an iPad and includes (1) administration of a 15-20-min survey assessing 18 needs, (2) generation of a profile of needs, relative to a reference group of BCS (median 2 years post-treatment), and (3) provision of problem-specific online resources. Perceptions of the app were evaluated using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Feedback was elicited from nurse navigators and BCS. BCS were recruited until the point of saturation. RESULTS: BCS (N = 11) were middle-aged and a median of 2.4 months post active treatment. Structured questionnaires indicated the following: survey covered meaningful problem areas, profile display was clear, and nurse's involvement was helpful. Follow-up interviews (2 weeks later) revealed that BCS shared their profile with others, but most BCS did not use the resources and those who did thought there were too many. Nurses (N = 3) said the app increased appointment time, but prompted them to discuss areas often not covered in typical BCS follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Feedback by end users directly informed revision of the app. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The CSPro-BC app has been optimized based on BCS feedback.

Effect of location and speed of diagnosis on anastomotic leak outcomes in 3828 gastric bypass cases.

INTRODUCTION: Leaks after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are a major cause of mortality. This study attempts to define the relationship between the leak site, time from surgery to detection, and outcome. METHODS: Retrospective review of 3,828 gastric bypass procedures. RESULTS: Of the leaks (3.9% overall), 60/2,337 (2.6%) occurred after open gastric bypass, 57/1,080 (5.2%) after laparoscopic gastric bypass, and 33/411 (8.0%) after revisions. Overall leak-related mortality after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was 0.6% (22/3,828). Mortality rate from gastrojejunostomy leaks (38 in the open gastric bypass, and 43 in the laparoscopic) was higher in the open group than the laparoscopic group (18.4 vs 2.3%, p = 0.015). Median time of detection for a gastrojejunostomy leak in the open group was longer than in the laparoscopic group (3 vs 1 days, Wilcoxon score p < 0.001). Jejunojejunostomy (JJ) leak was associated with a 40% mortality rate. Initial upper gastrointestinal series did not detect 9/10 jejunojejunostomy leaks. Median detection time was longer in the jejunojejunostomy leak group than the gastrojejunostomy leak group (4 vs 2 days, p = 0.037). DISCUSSION: Leak mortality and time of detection was higher after open gastric bypass than laparoscopic gastric bypass. GBP patients with normal upper gastrointestinal (UGI) studies may harbor leaks, especially at the JJ or excluded stomach. Normal UGI findings should not delay therapy if clinical signs suggest a leak.

Relationship between varying Roux limb lengths and weight loss in gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: The optimal Roux limb length for gastric bypass is unknown. Therefore, the effect of Roux limb length on weight loss and nutritional deficiency after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure was studied. METHODS: From September 2000 to February 2004, 165 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries were performed at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. One-year follow-ups were completed on 97 patients. Roux limbs varied from 100 cm to 150 cm, based on the patient's body mass index (BMI). Roux limb lengths were compared with 1-year changes in absolute weight, BMI, and nutritional levels. RESULTS: In the 97 patients, average age at the time of surgery was 44 years (range, 20-63). Average BMI was 46.7 +/- 6.6 kg/m(2) before surgery and 30.9 +/- 5.8 kg/m(2) at 1-year follow-up. Average absolute weight loss at 1 year was 43.7 +/- 12.8 kg. A statistically significant linear relationship existed between Roux limb length and reductions in BMI and absolute weight. No relationship existed between Roux limb length and changes in nutrient levels. CONCLUSION: A linear relationship exists between Roux limb length and 1-year weight loss.

Prevalence and predictors of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a Department of Defense experience.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a silent liver disease that can lead to inflammation and subsequent scaring. If left untreated, cirrhosis may ensue. Morbidly obese patients are at an increased risk of NASH. We report the prevalence and predictors of NASH in patients undergoing morbid obesity surgery. A retrospective review was conducted on morbidly obese patients undergoing weight reduction surgery from September 2005 through December 2008. A liver biopsy was performed at the time of surgery. Patients who had a history of hepatitis infection or previous alcohol dependency were excluded. Prevalence of NASH was studied. Predictors of NASH among clinical and biochemical variables were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis. One hundred thirteen patients were analyzed (84% female; mean age, 42.6 ± 11.4 years; mean body mass index, 45.1 ± 5.7 kg/m(2)). Sixty-one patients had systemic hypertension (54%) and 35 patients had diabetes (31%). The prevalence of NASH in this study population was 35 per cent (40 of 113). An additional 59 patients (52%) had simple steatosis without NASH. Only 14 patients had normal liver histology. On multivariate analysis, only elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (greater than 41 IU/L) was the independent predictor for NASH (odds ratio, 5.85; confidence interval, 1.06 to 32.41). Patient age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and abnormal alanine aminotransferase did not predict NASH. NASH is a common finding in obese population. Abnormal AST was the only predictive factor for NASH.

Fewer adverse events after reoperative parathyroidectomy associated with initial minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study compared reoperative complication rates after initial minimally invasive parathyroidectomy and standard cervical exploration. METHODS: Records from patients who underwent 1 reoperative parathyroidectomy at a single institution (1998 to 2012) were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were included; 74% underwent initial standard cervical exploration. Preoperative and operative characteristics were similar between groups; 74% underwent focused, unilateral reoperation. A significantly higher rate of postoperative complications occurred in the initial standard cervical exploration group (42% vs 15%, P = .03) that could not be explained by differences in the rates of symptomatic hypocalcemia (P = .5). The type of prior parathyroidectomy was significantly associated with postoperative complications (odds ratio 4.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 15.7, P = .04). In a multivariable logistic regression model that included body mass index, type of operation (for initial and reoperation), and initial operation performed prereferral as covariates, type of prior parathyroidectomy remained a significant predictor of postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Higher rates of postoperative sequelae after initial standard cervical exploration should be considered before performing routine 4-gland exploration.

The biopsy-proven benign thyroid nodule: is long-term follow-up necessary?

BACKGROUND: Thyroid nodules are common, and of those biopsied by fine-needle aspiration (FNA), the majority will be benign colloid nodules (BCN). Current guidelines suggest these BCN should be followed by ultrasonographic examination (US) every 3 years, with no endpoint specified. This study evaluated if long-term follow-up of benign thyroid nodules was associated with change in treatment or improvement in diagnosing a missed malignancy compared with short-term follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: All patients with FNA-based diagnosis of BCN at our institution from 1998 to 2009 were identified. Patients observed after the diagnosis were divided into short-term follow-up (<3 years) and long-term follow-up (≥3 years). Rates of repeat FNA, thyroidectomy, and malignancy detection were compared. RESULTS: Of 738 patients with BCN, 92 patients underwent thyroid resection after the initial US. Six hundred forty-six patients were observed, of which 366 returned for 1 or more follow-up US: 226 in the short-term group (median 13 months) and 140 in the long-term group (median 57 months). There were more follow-up US in long-term vs short-term (medians 4 vs 2, p < 0.01), more repeat FNAs in the long-term group (18 of 140 vs 8 of 226, p < 0.01); but no difference in interval thyroidectomies (13 of 140 vs 31 of 226, p = 0.25) or malignant final pathology (0 of 13 vs 2 of 31, p > 0.99). For all patients undergoing surgery, pathology was malignant in 2 of 136 (1.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up of patients with BCN is associated with increased repeat FNA and US without improvement in the malignancy detection rate. After 3 years of follow-up, consideration should be given to ceasing long-term routine follow-up of biopsy-proven BCN.

Effect of race on thyroid cancer care in an equal access healthcare system.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer is more likely to present at an advanced age with larger tumor size in black patients. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of race on the presentation, treatment, and survival in an equal access healthcare system. METHODS: This retrospective study included all black and white patients with thyroid cancer who were treated at a Department of Defense facility from 1986 to 2008. Patients' age, tumor size, lymph node status, treatment, and survival were compared. RESULTS: A total of 4,625 patients were identified. There was no difference between black and white patients in regards to age at presentation, tumor size, use of surgical and/or radiation therapy, and overall 5-year survival rate. Black patients had a lower rate of lymph node involvement. CONCLUSIONS: In an equal access healthcare system, black patients have similar disease presentation, undergo similar treatment, and have the same survival as white patients.