Thyroid carcinoma with papillary and squamous features: Report of a case with histogenetic considerations

We present a case of an 82-year-old female with a painless left latero-cervical swelling, which increased in size over the course of 6 months, compressing adjacent organs. The histopathological examination, following dissection of the left thyroid lobe and ipsilateral cervical lymph nodes, yielded two intermingled morphologically distinct histotypes that included conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with cystic features. The clinical presentation, the immunophenotype, and the genotype, especially of the malignant squamous component with partial expression of TTF1, marked expression of p63 and mutation of BRAF, were consistent with the diagnosis of a papillary thyroid carcinoma with squamous component. The possibility of a squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin metastasizing to a primary papillary thyroid carcinoma cannot be completely ruled out. This particular presentation of thyroid carcinoma carries a poor prognosis in 20% of cases, with high recurrence rates and distant metastasis.     

分化型甲状腺癌中BRAF V600E突变分析

目的探讨分化型甲状腺癌中BRAF V600E突变与临床病理特征的关系。方法收集甲状腺乳头状癌(papillary thyroid carcinoma,PTC)80例(其中经典型67例、滤泡亚型8例、嗜酸细胞亚型3例、高细胞亚型2例)、滤泡癌5例,其中30例PTC取相应癌旁组织,全部送基因检测室检测BRAF V600E突变情况。结果 80例PTC中BRAF V600E突变率为65.0%,5例滤泡癌及30例癌旁组织中未发现BRAF V600E突变;BRAF V600E突变与患者年龄、肿瘤包膜侵犯、淋巴结转移及TNM分期有关。PTC亚型中,经典型和高细胞亚型的BRAF V600E突变率较高(70.1%、100.0%),滤泡亚型的突变率较低(33.3%)。结论PTC中BRAF V600E突变可能与患者年龄有一定相关性,还与包膜侵犯、淋巴结转移及TNM分期有关,经典型和高细胞亚型的BRAF V600E突变率较高,明显高于滤泡亚型。     

Coexistence of primary squamous cell carcinoma of thyroid with classic papillary thyroid carcinoma

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland is very rare and its histogenesis is poorly defined so far. Although there have been some cases of squamous cell carcinoma with variant types of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the present case is the first primary squamous cell carcinoma with classic PTC to be reported. A 43‐year‐old woman presented with a 20 year history of neck mass. Neck ultrasound indicated a 6 × 4 × 3 cm large mass. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy. Histopathology indicated a well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and squamous metaplasia in conjunction with classic PTC. On immunohistochemistry cytokeratin 7 was positive in papillary carcinoma and squamous metaplasia, thyroglobulin was positive only in papillary carcinoma, and p63 was positive in squamous metaplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. Postoperatively, the patient received 59.4 Gy adjuvant radiotherapy, hormonal therapy and radioactive iodine therapy. At 8 months after surgery the patient remained disease free.     

Non‐solid type thyroid carcinoma: A case report of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the thyroid

We report the case of a common type papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patient who developed early recurrence and persistent disease even after ablation therapy. The patient was an 80‐year‐old man that was incidentally found to have a mass lesion in the left lower lobe of his thyroid. A total thyroidectomy and a left side modified radical neck dissection were performed; histological examination revealed a common type PTC. The patient underwent lymph node dissection twice for recurrence and ¹³¹I‐Na ablations for fluctuated elevation of serum thyroglobulin. The resected tumor and recurrence in lymph nodes revealed non‐solid type papillary carcinoma with mixed features of less well‐differentiated morphology, which we suggest included loss of cellular polarity/cohesiveness, tall cells and columnar cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed high a MIB‐1 labeling index (15–20%) in both the primary tumor and the metastatic tumor in the lymph nodes. p53 immunoreaction was found positive at very low level (<5%). E‐cadherin was faintly positive in a few cells of the primary tumor and negative in the metastatic site. We recently proposed a new classification for follicular cell tumors of the thyroid gland, and this case is an example of moderately‐differentiated adenocarcinoma according to our classification.     

Primary pure squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid: report and histogenic consideration of a case involving a BRAF mutation

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid (SCC-T) is extremely rare. Its clinical presentation is similar to that of anaplastic carcinoma. Metastasis or extension from the head and neck area should be ruled out, as patients with SCC-T have a poorer prognosis than patients who have a thyroid extension from an adjacent tumor. An 87-year-old man presented with a longstanding painless mass in the right thyroid and had experienced 2 months of pain upon swallowing. A right lobectomy was performed with resection of thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, a portion of the first to third tracheal ring and the right neck lymph node. A histological examination revealed pure SCC. The tumor cells showed diffuse immunoreactivity to CK5/6, CK19 and p63. Immunoreactivity to EMA and p53 was focally positive. TTF-1, galectin 3 and thyroglobulin immunoreactivity was restricted to the non-neoplastic thyroid tissue. Both tumor cells and non-neoplastic follicular cells were negative for CD5. The MIB-1 index was 36%. DNA extracted from the tumor identified a BRAF V600E mutation in exon 15 and a BRAF G468A mutation in exon 11, whereas DNA from non-tumorous cells did not contain a mutation. These molecular findings may suggest a direct transformation from papillary carcinoma to SCC-T.     

Lymphatic endothelial cancerization in papillary thyroid carcinoma: Hidden evidence of lymphatic invasion

We hypothesize that cystic structures in metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) develop along the framework of lymphatic channels. To investigate this phenomenon, different categories of PTC were immunostained for D2‐40 and TTF1. In this study, reactivity for D2‐40 was considered as positive when there is membranous staining as often seen in lymphatic endothelial cells. Thirty cases of PTC with lymph node metastasis or with potential for lymphatic invasion and 20 cases metastatic PTC in lymph nodes were reviewed and found to show double/mosaic immunoreactivity for TTF1/D2‐40 in 40–100% of cases. PTC metastasis in lymph nodes with cysts and some branching lymphatic‐like channels lined by follicular cells with or without nuclear features of PTC were diffusely reactive to TTF1, and focally to D2‐40. For primary and metastatic PTC, focal membranous D2‐40 reactivity was also demonstrated in cysts or cleft linings. For25 thyroid neoplasms with no known potential for lymphatic invasion, there was no such immunoreactivity. The mosaic or double immunoreactivity for TTF1/D2‐40 suggests lymphatic cancerization and possible endothelial mimicry of follicular cells. Mosaic/double immunoreactivity is helpful to detect the hidden pattern of lymphatic invasion masquerading as ‘benign‐appearing’ follicles and supports our hypothesis of malignant cells developing along the lymphatic framework.     

Metastatic metaplastic breast carcinoma mimicking pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma on fine‐needle aspiration

Metaplastic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the breast is a rare type of breast cancer. Metastases to the lung, which can be a major site of second primary tumor development among breast cancer patients, are difficult to distinguish from primary SCC of the lung and present a unique challenge for pathologists. There are few available discriminating immunohistochemical markers as squamous differentiation typically leads to loss of expression of characteristic primary epithelial cell markers of both breast and lung origin. GATA protein binding 3 (GATA‐3) is a useful marker of breast origin in metastatic ductal and lobular carcinomas including poorly differentiated triple‐negative carcinomas and some metaplastic carcinomas. Here, we present a case of metastatic SCC presenting as a solitary lung mass with regional lymph node metastases and a single satellite lesion in a patient with a history of metaplastic SCC of the breast. In addition to the routine markers of squamous differentiation, the metastases were also positive for estrogen receptor (ER) and GATA‐3 on cytologic material obtained by transbronchial FNA. This suggests that immunoreactivity for ER and GATA‐3 may support a diagnosis of metastatic SCC in the context of a prior metaplastic SCC of the breast. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:844–849. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

LIMD2 Is Overexpressed in BRAF V600E-Positive Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas and Matched Lymph Node Metastases

We previously described that LIM domain containing 2 (LIMD2) overexpression was closely correlated with metastatic process in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We here evaluated the expression of LIMD2 in a series of non-metastatic and metastatic PTC and their matched lymph node metastases via immunohistochemistry. LIMD2 was expressed in 74 (81%) of primary PTC and 35 (95%) of lymph node metastases. Sub-analysis performed in 37 matched samples demonstrated that in four cases, LIMD2 is expressed in lymph node metastases, while it is not expressed in primary tumors. Moreover, in eight cases, the staining intensity of LIMD2 was stronger in the patient-matched lymph node metastases than in the primary tumors. Next, the expression of LIMD2 was correlated with clinical pathological parameters and BRAF V600E and RET/PTC mutational status. The expression of LIMD2 in primary tumors was correlated with the presence of BRAF V600E mutation (P =?0.0338). Western blot analysis in thyroid cell lines demonstrated that LIMD2 is expressed in two PTC cell lines, while it is not expressed in normal thyroid and follicular thyroid carcinoma cell lines. Importantly, its expression was higher in a PTC cell line that harbors BRAF V600E mutation than in a PTC cell line that harbors RET/PTC1. The available genomic profiling data generated by The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network confirmed that LIMD2 expression is higher in BRAF-like PTC samples. Our data suggest that LIMD2 may play an important role in the metastatic process of PTC, predominantly in BRAF V600E-positive tumors.     

Diagnostic histological features of metastatic lymph nodes in adenosquamous carcinoma

Laryngeal adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) is a rare malignancy, and the problems in true diagnosis of this entity are well known. In this paper, we describe a case of ASC and discuss its distinct histopathology in metastatic lymph nodes. A heavy smoker man presented with a progressive neck mass. Based on incisional biopsy, diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was made and total laryngectomy with bilateral radical neck dissection was performed. Sections of primary tumor showed a well-differentiated SCC. However, lymph node metastases had a distinct feature of glandular structures. Further investigation with Mayer's mucicarmine stain confirmed the presence of rare scattered glands in primary tumor and the final diagnosis was changed to ASC. Adenosquamous carcinoma is a distinct entity and must be distinguished from the common SCC of larynx. As a result, when a lesion with diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma shows evidence of glandular differentiation in a subsequent biopsy or in nodal metastases, more investigation is necessary. Moreover, the glandular structures in primary tumor, as in this case, may be rare and inconspicuous. Therefore, we suggest the precise evaluation of metastatic lymph nodes for any laryngeal tumor with diagnosis of SCC. This helps to make appropriate therapeutic decisions with respect to the aggressive behavior of ASC and its high propensity for lymph node metastasis.     

Stomatin‐like protein 2 overexpression in papillary thyroid carcinoma is significantly associated with high‐risk clinicopathological parameters and BRAFV600E mutation

Stomatin‐like protein 2 (SLP‐2), a member of the stomatin protein family, has emerged as a potential molecular hallmark of tumor progression in several human malignancies. The aim of this study was to analyze SLP‐2 expression pattern in benign and malignant thyroid tumors (n = 210) and to examine its relationship with clinicopathological parameters and BRAFV600E mutation in thyroid cancer. SLP‐2 immunohistochemical expression was not detected in benign adenomas and was absent/weak in follicular and anaplastic carcinomas. High expression levels of SLP‐2, found only in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), particularly in the classical variant, were significantly associated with adverse clinicopathological parameters: lymph node metastasis (p = 0.002), extrathyroid invasion (p < 0.001), pT status (p < 0.001), and advanced tumor stage (p = 0.001). Additional genotyping of PTC cases for the BRAFV600E mutation revealed for the first time a close relation between SLP‐2 overexpression and the presence of BRAF mutation (p = 0.02) with high positive rates of lymph node metastasis (70%) and extrathyroid invasion (80%) in these cases. The significant association of SLP‐2 overexpression with unfavorable clinicopathological characteristics and BRAFV600E mutation indicates that SLP‐2 may have a role in aggressiveness of BRAF‐mutated PTC and that SLP‐2 evaluation could be clinically useful in identification of high‐risk PTC patients.     

甲状腺乳头状癌中BRAFV599E点突变与RET/PTC融合基因的检测

目的检测甲状腺乳头状癌(PTC)及其他类型甲状腺良恶性肿瘤中BRAFV599E的点突变及 RET/PTC1、3融合基因的表达状况,探讨二者与PTC临床病理学特征的关系.方法用聚合酶链反应(PCR)及逆转录(RT)-PCR分别检测95例石蜡与新鲜甲状腺病变组织中BRAFV599E点突变和RET/PTC1、3融合基因.结果 (1)仅在PTC中检测到BRAFV599E的突变,突变率56%(37/66),在经典型PTC和高细胞型PTC中突变率分别为70%(29/41)和2/3,在滤泡型PTC及其他类型甲状腺病变中未检测到BRAFV599E的突变.统计学分析BRAF突变与性别、年龄、伴慢性淋巴细胞浸润及淋巴结转移无明显关系(P>0.05).(2)PTC中RET/PTC检出率21.2%(14/66),其中5例RET/PTC1阳性(7.6%),9例RET/PTC3阳性(13.6%).RET/PTC融合基因阳性的14例PTC中未检测到BRAFV599E突变.其余29例良恶性病例中未检测到RET/PTC融合基因.RET/PTC融合基因的表达与PTC的临床病理学特征无明显关系(P>0.05).结论 (1)BRAFV599E突变和RET/PTC融合基因是PTC较特征性的遗传学改变,可作为PTC诊断和鉴别诊断提供分子学的依据,BRAFV599E突变可能是甲状腺乳头状癌表型的重要决定因素之一;(2)BRAFV599E突变与PTC的经典型和高细胞型两种主要亚型密切相关;(3)BRAFV599E突变与RET/PTC融合基因可能在PTC中是独立事件.     

甲状腺乳头状癌中TROP-2表达的临床意义及其诊断价值

目的观察人类滋养层细胞表面抗原2(TROP-2)在甲状腺乳头状癌(papillary thyroid carcinoma,PTC)中的表达,探讨TROP-2在PTC中表达的临床意义及其诊断价值。方法采用免疫组化EnVision法检测100例甲状腺恶性病变(PTC 75例、滤泡性癌10例、髓样癌10例、差分化癌5例)、45例良性病变(正常甲状腺10例、结节性甲状腺肿10例、桥本甲状腺炎15例、滤泡性腺瘤10例),5例具有乳头样核特征的非浸润性甲状腺滤泡性肿瘤(non-invasive folliculaRthyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nucleaRfeatures,NIFTP)中TROP-2的表达;ARMS法检测PTC中BRAF V600E基因突变。分析TROP-2对PTC诊断的敏感性和特异性,及其与PTC临床病理特征以及BRAF V600E基因突变的关系。结果TROP-2在PTC中的阳性率为81.3%(61/75),在其他甲状腺恶性肿瘤和良性病变中均阴性,TROP-2对PTC诊断的敏感性为81.3%,特异性为100%。TROP-2表达与PTC淋巴结转移有关(P<0.05),与患者年龄、性别、肿瘤部位及临床分期无关(P>0.05),经典型PTC中TROP-2表达高于滤泡亚型PTC(P<0.05)。PTC中TROP-2表达与BRAF V600E基因突变呈正相关(P<0.05)。结论TROP-2是一种具有高度特异性和敏感性的诊断PTC的标志物,TROP-2检测可预测PTC的临床生物学行为和BRAF V600E基因突变状态,并对于形态学变形的PTC、微小型PTC和PTC的甲状腺内扩散的诊断和识别具有重要价值。     

甲状腺乳头状癌BRAF基因突变的检测及临床意义

目的 了解甲状腺乳头状癌(papillary thyroid carcinoma,PTC)BRAF基因T1799A点突变的情况与临床病理学特征的关系.方法 应用聚合酶链反应及DNA直接测序法对43例PTC患者,20例非PTC甲状腺病变患者及40份正常甲状腺组织对照的新鲜标本进行BRAF基因检测.分析BRAF基因突变与性别、发病年龄、原发灶大小、甲状腺包膜外浸润、颈淋巴结转移及远处转移等临床病理学特征的关系.结果 43例PTC中1 7例检出BRAF基因T1799A点突变.检出率为39.5%,而在非PTC甲状腺病变患者和40份正常甲状腺组织未发现T1799A点突变.BRAF基因突变与PTC甲状腺包膜外浸润及颈淋巴结转移密切相关(P<0.05及P<0.05),与性别、发病年龄、原发灶大小及远处转移无关.结论 BRAF基因突变与颈淋巴结转移和甲状腺包膜外浸润密切相关,突变可能增加PTC的侵袭性并影响预后.     

甲状腺乳头状癌BRAF基因突变的检测及临床意义

目的 了解甲状腺乳头状癌(papillary thyroid carcinoma,PTC)BRAF基因T1799A点突变的情况与临床病理学特征的关系.方法 应用聚合酶链反应及DNA直接测序法对43例PTC患者,20例非PTC甲状腺病变患者及40份正常甲状腺组织对照的新鲜标本进行BRAF基因检测.分析BRAF基因突变与性别、发病年龄、原发灶大小、甲状腺包膜外浸润、颈淋巴结转移及远处转移等临床病理学特征的关系.结果 43例PTC中1 7例检出BRAF基因T1799A点突变.检出率为39.5%,而在非PTC甲状腺病变患者和40份正常甲状腺组织未发现T1799A点突变.BRAF基因突变与PTC甲状腺包膜外浸润及颈淋巴结转移密切相关(P<0.05及P<0.05),与性别、发病年龄、原发灶大小及远处转移无关.结论 BRAF基因突变与颈淋巴结转移和甲状腺包膜外浸润密切相关,突变可能增加PTC的侵袭性并影响预后.     

甲状腺乳头状癌BRAF基因突变的检测及临床意义

目的 了解甲状腺乳头状癌(papillary thyroid carcinoma,PTC)BRAF基因T1799A点突变的情况与临床病理学特征的关系.方法 应用聚合酶链反应及DNA直接测序法对43例PTC患者,20例非PTC甲状腺病变患者及40份正常甲状腺组织对照的新鲜标本进行BRAF基因检测.分析BRAF基因突变与性别、发病年龄、原发灶大小、甲状腺包膜外浸润、颈淋巴结转移及远处转移等临床病理学特征的关系.结果 43例PTC中1 7例检出BRAF基因T1799A点突变.检出率为39.5%,而在非PTC甲状腺病变患者和40份正常甲状腺组织未发现T1799A点突变.BRAF基因突变与PTC甲状腺包膜外浸润及颈淋巴结转移密切相关(P<0.05及P<0.05),与性别、发病年龄、原发灶大小及远处转移无关.结论 BRAF基因突变与颈淋巴结转移和甲状腺包膜外浸润密切相关,突变可能增加PTC的侵袭性并影响预后.