Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules can permit to detect many genetic mutations and other molecular alterations, including RAS and BRAF point mutations, PAX8/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)? and "RET/PTC rearrangements, occurring in thyroid papillary and follicular carcinomas" (more than 70% of cases), which can be used successfully to improve the diagnosis "and the management of patients with thyroid nodules". 