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Published on: April 17, 2013
Ultimobranchial body cysts in the human foetal thyroid: pathological implications
The Journal of Pathology
|February 1, 1979
Summary
Ultimobranchial body cysts in human fetuses contained large oval cells. These cells resemble those in medullary thyroid carcinoma, supporting the origin of this cancer from parafollicular cells.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- The origin of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is linked to parafollicular cells.
- Parafollicular cells are known to originate from the ultimobranchial body (UB) tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and morphology of ultimobranchial body cysts in human fetal thyroids.
- To explore the potential relationship between ultimobranchial body remnants and medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of 28 human fetal thyroid specimens.
- Morphological analysis of cells adjacent to or within identified ultimobranchial body cysts.
Main Results:
- Ultimobranchial body cysts were identified in 7 out of 28 fetuses.
- Large oval cells with morphological similarities to MTC cells were observed in association with these cysts.
Conclusions:
- The observed morphological resemblance supports the hypothesis that medullary thyroid carcinoma arises from parafollicular cells.
- This study provides further histological evidence in humans for the ultimobranchial origin of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
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