Analysis of BRAF Gene Mutation in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis With Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

This article investigates the prevalence and clinical significance of BRAF gene mutations in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) combined with multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the most common type of thyroid cancer. The study found that patients with HT and multifocal PTC exhibited higher rates of BRAF mutations, which were independently associated with increased extra-thyroidal invasion and central lymph node metastasis, indicating greater tumor aggressiveness. Additionally, elevated thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) levels and larger lesion diameters were observed in this group compared to patients with multifocal PTC alone. These findings suggest that BRAF mutations may play a critical role in the progression and metastatic potential of PTC in the context of HT, although the study notes limitations due to its single-center design and sample size.