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Solid cell nests of the thyroid in medullary thyroid carcinoma
1Surgical Branch, Ito Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Histopathology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Solid cell nests in the thyroid were found in some medullary thyroid carcinoma patients. However, these nests lack specific markers, suggesting they are not precursors to this thyroid cancer.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Solid cell nests (SCNs) are uncommon thyroid findings.
- Their potential role in thyroid tumorigenesis, particularly medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between SCNs and MTC.
- To determine if SCNs could be precursors to MTC through immunohistochemical analysis.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of thyroid tissue from 44 patients with MTC.
- Immunohistochemical staining for thyroglobulin, calcitonin, and chromogranin A in SCNs.
Main Results:
- SCNs were identified in 10 (22.7%) patients with MTC, often near tumor foci or in contralateral lobes.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed negative staining for thyroglobulin, calcitonin, and chromogranin A in SCNs.
- These SCN findings were distinct from the MTC tumor cells.
Conclusions:
- The distinct immunohistochemical profile suggests SCNs are not precursors of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
- SCNs appear to be incidental findings in the context of MTC.