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Benign and malignant thyroid lesions show instability at microsatellite loci
P Soares1, N R dos Santos, R Seruca
1IPATIMUP, Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty of Porto, Hospital S. João, Portugal.
European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990)
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Microsatellite instability (MI) was found in 15% of thyroid lesions, including benign goiters and follicular adenomas, not just carcinomas. This suggests MI occurs in a broader range of thyroid conditions than previously thought.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pathology
Background:
- Microsatellite instability (MI) is a known molecular feature of various cancers.
- Previous research has primarily associated MI with malignant thyroid tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of microsatellite instability (MI) in both benign and malignant thyroid lesions.
- To determine if MI is exclusive to thyroid carcinomas or also present in non-cancerous thyroid conditions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microsatellite instability (MI) at eight specific loci across four chromosomes.
- Screening for mutations in the hMSH2 mismatch repair gene using CDGE mutation analysis in affected cases.
Main Results:
- Microsatellite instability (MI) was detected in 7 out of 46 (15%) thyroid lesions analyzed.
- MI was observed in benign conditions like nodular goiters and follicular adenomas, as well as in papillary and follicular carcinomas.
- No mutations in the hMSH2 gene were found in the seven lesions exhibiting MI.
Conclusions:
- Microsatellite instability (MI) occurs in thyroid lesions, extending beyond malignant carcinomas to include benign conditions such as goiters and follicular adenomas.
- The findings challenge the notion that MI is solely a marker of thyroid malignancy.
- Further research is warranted to understand the role and implications of MI in benign thyroid diseases.