Immunohistochemical analysis of thyroglobulin synthesis in thyroid carcinomas

This immuno-histochemical description of thyroglobulin synthesis in human thyroid carcinomas is based on the analysis of 72 malignant thyroid neoplasms and about 100 cases of thyroid adenomas and other diseases of the thyroid gland. In our experience immuno-histochemistry has been an invaluable diagnostic adjunct to light microscopy for three reasons: 1) as an approach to a functional classification of thyroid carcinomas, 2) as an aid in the differential diagnosis of thyroid carcinomas of follicle cell type from tumors of other origins, 3) as an aid in the functional classification of non-cancerous thyroid tissue. In the field of metastasizing thyroid carcinoma this immuno-histochemical approach combined with a morphometrical method may enable accurate identification of patients for whom radioiodine therapy is appropriate.