Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
Malacoplakia of the thyroid gland
R Katoh1, T Ishizaki, N Tomichi
1Department of Pathology I, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
A case of malacoplakia of the thyroid gland is described in a 50-year-old Japanese woman. This lesion clinically mimicked a malignant neoplasm, and the true diagnosis of malacoplakia was made only after histologic examination; light microscopy revealed a granulomatous nodule with an accumulation of von Hansemann's histiocytes containing PAS-positive and von Kossa's-positive intracytoplasmic and extracytoplasmic inclusions known as Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. There were some foci consisting of neoplasm-like or hyperplastic residual follicles within the lesion. Electron microscopically, a small number of bacilliform organisms were demonstrated within the lesion. X-ray microanalysis of Michaelis-Gutmann bodies was performed and revealed the presence of phosphorus, calcium, iron, and chloride. It is suggested that the malacoplakic lesion may be associated with the hyperplastic or neoplastic follicular lesion, and bacterial infection could be important in the causation of malacoplakia of the thyroid gland.
Related Concept Videos
The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

