The Role of an Optical Probe in Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis: Pilot Study

The Role of an Optical Probe in the Detection of Thyroid Cancer and Normal Thyroid Tissue in a Thyroidectomy Specimen: A Pilot Study

This study will investigate the usefulness of an optical probe in the differentiation of thyroid cancer from normal thyroid tissue in a thyroidectomy specimen.

The optical real-time readings will be compared to the histological analysis from the same area. Subjects undergoing thyroid surgery for thyroid disease including thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer and thyroid goiter with nodules will be eligible to participate. After the removal of the thyroid gland, optical readings will be taken from the ex vivo thyroid gland and these same areas will then be analyzed in the usual standard fashion. The reading will then be correlated with the histological results. In addition, if lymph nodes are removed as part of the surgery they will also be tested prior to histological standard processing. All specimens and data will be de-identified.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects undergoing thyroid surgery for thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and thyroid goiter with nodules.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects whose thyroid specimens have been put in formalin