The Journal of Practical Medicine ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (7): 1165-1170.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2026.07.007

• Oncology: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention • Previous Articles    

Difficulties and research progress in ultrasonic diagnosis of follicular cell-derived thyroid neoplasms

Chong HE,Yongyue ZHANG,Shumin WANG()   

  1. Department of Ultrasound,Peking University Third Hospital,Beijing 100191,Beijing,China
  • Received:2025-11-10 Revised:2025-12-13 Accepted:2025-12-17 Online:2026-04-10 Published:2026-04-13
  • Contact: Shumin WANG E-mail:shuminwang2014@163.com

Abstract:

The updated histopathological classification of thyroid tumors recognizes follicular cell-derived thyroid neoplasms (FDN) as consisting of benign, low-risk, and malignant subtypes. Malignant FDN, mainly follicular thyroid carcinoma and oncocytic carcinoma, are linked to significantly poorer clinical outcomes when compared with benign lesions. However, conventional ultrasound risk stratification systems and fine-needle aspiration biopsy still have limitations in accurately differentiating benign from malignant FDN. In recent years, the incorporation of advanced ultrasound modalities, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography, has offered promising ways to enhance preoperative diagnostic accuracy. A burgeoning body of research has aimed to tackle this long-standing challenge in FDN classification. This review outlines current diagnostic limitations and emphasizes recent advancements in the application of ultrasound techniques for the assessment of FDN.

Key words: follicular cell-derived thyroid neoplasms, ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, elastography, differential diagnosis

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