BRAF mutation in fine-needle aspiration specimens as a potential predictor for persistence/recurrence in patients with classical papillary thyroid carcinoma larger than 10 mm at a BRAF mutation prevalent area

Background The association between the BRAF mutation and persistence/recurrence was investigated in patients with classical papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) at a BRAF mutation prevalent area. Methods A total of 282 patients with total thyroidectomy and prophylactic central neck dissection were included in this study. The BRAF mutation was evaluated with cytology specimen using dual priming oligonucleotide (DPO)-based multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing preoperatively. Results Thirty-four patients (12%) had persistence/recurrence. In all PTC, the BRAF mutation on both methods was not associated with persistence/recurrence. In PTC >10 mm, the BRAF mutation on DPO-based multiplex PCR was significantly associated with persistence/recurrence and a potential predictor for persistence/recurrence. In PTC ≤10 mm, none of the covariates were significantly different between patients with and without persistence/recurrence. Conclusion The BRAF mutation was significantly associated with persistence/recurrence and a potential predictor in patients with classical PTC >10 mm at a BRAF mutation prevalent area.