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R. Domingues, E. Mendonça, L. Sobrinho and M. J. BugalhoSearching forRET/PTC rearrangements andBRAFV599E mutation in thyroid aspirates might contribute to establish a preoperative diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinomaSearching for multiple molecular markers in thyroid aspirates appears to be a promising approach for establishing a preoperative diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).Based on this hypothesis, a total of 63 samples from 55 patients, were collected at random. RNA was extracted from the residue cells inside the needle used for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and thereafter molecular analysis was carried out both forRETrearrangements (type 1, 2, 3) andBRAFcodon 599 mutation molecule. Results were compared with the cytological and histopathological diagnoses in 24 patients submitted to surgery.58% PTCs presented a genetic alteration eitherRET/PTC rearrangement,BRAFV599E mutation or both: three cases of PTCs (25%) presented aRET/PTC rearrangement; three cases of PTCs (25%) presented aBRAFV599E mutation and in one case (8%) both alterations were identified.The present results suggest that searching for multiple molecular markers in thyroid aspirates may enhance the accuracy of FNAC and refine preoperative diagnosis of PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]