Cost effectiveness of intraoperative pathology in the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules.

Objective This study aims to determine the cost effectiveness of rapid frozen section (RFS) for indeterminate thyroid nodules. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review was conducted between January 2009 and June 2013 at a tertiary care institution. Main outcomes were number needed to treat, RFS efficacy, and cost-savings of avoiding second completion thyroidectomy. Cost-effectiveness was estimated using 2015 Medicare reimbursement rate. Results Out of 1,114 patients undergoing thyroid surgery, 314 had preoperative AUS/FLUS cytopathology and subsequent thyroid lobectomy with RFS. RFS identified 13 of the 32 patients with malignancy resulting in a total thyroidectomy. 19 of the 29 malignancies not detected by RFS were papillary microcarcinomas. Conclusions Completion thyroidectomy was avoided in 1 out of every 24 patients resulting in cost-savings of $ 80.04 per patient. In the era of outpatient thyroid surgery, intraoperative RFS for indeterminate thyroid nodules is cost-effective.

Tuberculous granuloma and adenoid cystic carcinoma presenting as a single buccal space mass.

We report an unusual case of a 58-year-old man with a "collision lesion" of the buccal space. Initially diagnosed as tuberculoma, the patient showed only partial response to an extensive course of antibiotics, prompting more vigorous investigation. This revealed the presence of a concomitant malignancy, specifically adenoid cystic carcinoma. Definitive treatment was then achieved by surgical resection and flap reconstruction with postoperative radiation therapy.