Immunohistochemical Expression of Cytokeratin-19 in Thyroid Nodules and Its Correlation With Histopathology

  • Suriyaprabha Palanisamy Assistant professor Department of pathology Theni medical college
  • Dhanalakshmi Arumugam
  • Sudha Boj
Keywords: Papillary Carcinoma, Follicular Adenoma, Follicular Carcinoma, Cytokeratin 19

Abstract

Background: Thyroid neoplasms constitute the most commonly occurring endocrine tumors worldwide. They commonly occur between 30-60 years of age and affect both sexes.  Papillary carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor constituting 80-85% of all the thyroid carcinomas followed by follicular carcinoma comprising 10-15%. Diagnosis becomes challenging when typical features are not seen or when overlapping features are present. In such cases immunohistochemistry can be done to make correct diagnosis.  Methods: In this study we observed the immunohistochemical expression of Cytokeratin19 in 30 thyroidectomy specimens which included classic papillary carcinoma (11 cases), follicular variant of papillary carcinoma (2 cases), follicular adenoma (15 cases) and follicular carcinoma (4 cases). The study period was one year. The scoring was given from 0- 3+ based on the percentage of cells showing membrane and cytoplasmic positivity and intensity of staining. Result: The staining results of Cytokeratin19 showed diffuse and strong 3+ positivity in 8/11 cases  of papillary carcinoma and its follicular variant, 2 cases showed 2+ positivity and one case with 1+ positivity. Majority of the cases of follicular adenoma (13/15 cases) and follicular carcinoma (3/4 cases) showed negative staining. Only 2 cases of follicular adenoma and 1 case of follicular carcinoma showed focal weak positivity.Conclusion: Cytokeratin19 was found to be a sensitive and specific marker in diagnosing papillary carcinoma and its follicular variant. But it does not differentiate follicular neoplasms. Hence a good panel of markers is essential in arriving at exact diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms in challenging cases. DOI: 10.21276/APALM.2017.1053 

Author Biography

Suriyaprabha Palanisamy, Assistant professor Department of pathology Theni medical college
Assistant professorDepartment of pathologyTheni medical college.

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Published
2017-02-23
Section
Original Article