Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
Cytological Features of High-Grade Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Comparative Study With Low-Grade Cases
Aki Tanaka1, Mitsuyoshi Hirokawa1, Ayana Suzuki1
1Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Cytology, Kuma Hospital, Kobe, Japan.
Objective:
The cytological characteristics of high-grade medullary thyroid carcinoma (HG-MTC) remain insufficiently defined. This study aimed to elucidate these features and assess their potential in estimating HG-MTC.
Methods:
Cytological and histological specimens from 12 patients with HG-MTC and 36 patients with low-grade (LG) MTC were analyzed.
Results:
Amyloid was observed in 50.0% of LG-MTC nodules but in only 8.3% of HG-MTC nodules (p < 0.05). Necrotic materials were observed in only one HG-MTC nodule. The frequencies of intracytoplasmic mucin (25.0%), pseudoinclusions (66.7%), mitotic figures (58.3%), and cannibalism (25.0%) in HG-MTC nodules were significantly higher than those in LG-MTC nodules (p < 0.05). Nuclear grooves, fine chromatin pattern, and irregularly shaped nuclei were observed in 41.7%, 41.7%, and 25.0% of HG-MTC nodules, respectively. None of them were observed in LG-MTC nodules (p < 0.05). When at least one of the six cytological features including mitotic figures, nuclear grooves, fine chromatin pattern, irregularly shaped nuclei, intracytoplasmic mucin, and cannibalism was present, the sensitivity and specificity for HG-MTC diagnosis were 91.7% and 83.3%, respectively.
Conclusions:
Mitotic figures, nuclear grooves, fine chromatin pattern, irregularly shaped nuclei, intracellular mucin, and cannibalism are cytological findings suggestive of HG-MTC. Except for pseudoinclusions, PTC-like nuclear features can be considered important diagnostic clues for HG-MTC.
More Related Videos
06:29Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-19
Published on: May 25, 2022
04:41Author Spotlight: Analysis of Ovarian Anatomy in Migratory Insects to Overcome Experimental Challenges
Published on: July 14, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Graded Potential
Graded potentials fall into two categories: depolarizing and hyperpolarizing. Depolarizing graded potentials typically occur when sodium (Na+) or...
Types of Aggregate Grading
Well-graded aggregates include a complete range of necessary size fractions that fit together to create a dense matrix with minimal voids, represented by a smooth, continuous gradation curve. This type of grading ensures good...
Sieve Analysis and Grading Curves
Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
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...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...