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Solid variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma: incidence, clinical-pathologic characteristics, molecular analysis, and
Y E Nikiforov1, L A Erickson, M N Nikiforova
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0529, USA. Yuri.Nikiforov@uc.edu
The American Journal of Surgical Pathology
|November 22, 2001
Summary
The solid variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma, though rare, shows a higher risk of distant metastases and a less favorable prognosis compared to the classical type. Further research is needed to fully understand this aggressive thyroid cancer subtype.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- The solid variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma is a rare subtype.
- Its clinical and prognostic features are not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinicopathological features and prognosis of the solid variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- To compare the solid variant with the classical variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 20 solid variant cases and 20 matched classical variant cases.
- Tumors were classified based on a predominant solid growth pattern (>70%), retained cytologic features, and absence of necrosis.
- Follow-up ranged from 6 to 32 years.
- Molecular analysis for RET/PTC rearrangements was performed.
Main Results:
- 10% of solid variant patients died from disease, and 10% had lung metastases.
- No distant metastases or disease-related deaths were observed in the matched classical variant group.
- Similar prevalence of RET/PTC rearrangements was found in both groups.
Conclusions:
- The solid variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma has a less favorable prognosis and a higher frequency of distant metastases than the classical variant.
- It is crucial to differentiate the solid variant from poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, which has a worse survival rate.