Background: TERT promoter mutations have been found in a subset of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and are associated with tumor aggressiveness and worse prognosis. However, little is known about the status of TERT mRNA expression and its relation to TERT promoter mutations and clinicopathological features. Methods: We analyzed 159 PTC samples for TERT promoter mutations using direct DNA sequencing. TERT expression was measured using quantitative RT-PCR. To examine low allelic frequency of TERT promoter mutations with high sensitivity, we used droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). The relationship between the status of the TERT promoter mutation/expression and clinicopathological features including recurrence risk was statistically analyzed. Results: TERT promoter mutations were found in 20 cases (12.6%). However, TERT expression was observed not only in the mutation-positive tumors but also in 56 of 139 (40.3%) mutation-negative tumors. Among them, we detected low allelic frequency of

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Equivalent prognoses were observed for patients with 1- to 5-cm stage cN0 and cM0 PTC tumors treated by TL or TT after propensity score matching. Adverse events occurred less frequently in patients who underwent TL than TT.

While approximately half of the chemotherapy patients were aware of dysgeusia, 81% (35/43) of them could accurately identify the four basic tastes using the instillation method.

HighlightsWe experienced giant fibroadenoma of breast, a rare case in a mature woman.We suspected a malignant tumor, due to the size and ulceration and bleeding.Total mastectomy and skin grafting were needed for complete resection.An early diagnosis and treatment could prevent total mastectomy.