Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
07:01
An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma: a cytologic-histologic review.
Massimo Bongiovanni1, Peter M Sadow, William C Faquin
1Pathologie Clinique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland.
Advances in Anatomic Pathology
|August 25, 2009
Summary
Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is a distinct entity recognized by the WHO, with specific histologic and cytologic diagnostic criteria. Aggressive management including surgery and radioactive iodine is recommended for PDTC.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) was recognized as a distinct entity in the 2004 WHO classification of endocrine tumors.
- Specific diagnostic criteria were refined in 2006 by expert thyroid pathologists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the histologic and cytologic features for diagnosing PDTC.
- To highlight key diagnostic markers and molecular findings.
- To outline current management strategies for PDTC.
Main Methods:
- Review of histologic and cytologic features of PDTC.
- Analysis of immunohistochemical markers (thyroglobulin, TTF-1, p53).
- Examination of molecular findings, focusing on ras mutations.
Main Results:
- Histologic criteria include insular, solid, or trabecular architecture with specific nuclear or mitotic features, or necrosis.
- Cytologic findings suggestive of PDTC include specific patterns, high N/C ratio, and crowding.
- Most PDTCs are thyroglobulin and TTF-1 positive; ras mutations are common.
Conclusions:
- PDTC diagnosis relies on specific histologic and cytologic features.
- Immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis aid in diagnosis and understanding.
- Aggressive treatment involving surgery, radioactive iodine, and potentially radiotherapy is indicated.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:24Cellular Adaptation IV: Dysplasia and Metaplasia
DysplasiaDysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape, and organization of mature cells, characterized by pleomorphism, nuclear abnormalities, and increased mitotic activity. It commonly affects epithelial tissues, including the cervix, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory mucosa, and endometrium. Although it may occur alongside hyperplasia, dysplasia is not a true adaptive response but a preneoplastic change with potential to progress to cancer.When confined above the basement...