Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Thyroid neoplasms represent a broad spectrum of tumors with different biologic behaviors. Follicular neoplasms are classified as benign or malignant depending on the presence or absence of capsular and/or vascular invasion; however, evaluation of these features can be challenging on histopathologic examination. Galectin-3 is a member of lectin family and seems to play a significant role in a number of biological processes. p27 is a key regulator of progression from G1 to S phase.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this study, we investigated the differential expression of both p27 and galectin-3 in both follicular adenomas and follicular carcinomas. The study was conducted on archival blocks retrieved from the pathology department at National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, diagnosed between 2001 and 2009 and included 22 cases of follicular adenomas, 22 cases of follicular adenomas with atypical features, 13 cases of minimally invasive follicular carcinomas, and 25 cases of widely invasive thyroid carcinomas.
RESULTS
p27 and galectin-3 immunohistochemical results were significantly different between follicular adenomas including those with atypical features and minimally and widely invasive follicular carcinomas with highly statistically significant difference, recording sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 97.4% as regards p27 and sensitivity of 71%, specificity of 86.36% as regards galectin-3.
CONCLUSION
p27 is a reliable marker in distinguishing follicular adenomas including atypical types from follicular carcinoma. Galectin-3 is also a fairly reliable marker in distinguishing follicular adenomas from carcinomas; however, it should be combined with other markers to increase its accuracy. We recommend the use of immunohistochemical panels of markers in follicular patterned thyroid lesions, notably in controversial cases.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Abulkheir IL, Mohammad DB

Institution

Department of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. imanloay@gmail.com

Source

Applied immunohistochemistry & molecular morphology : AIMM / official publication of the Society for Applied Immunohistochemistry 20:2 2012 Mar pg 131-40

MeSH

Adenoma
Adult
Aged
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27
Diagnosis, Differential
Galectin 3
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasm Invasiveness
Retrospective Studies
Thyroid Neoplasms

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22553813