Utility of immunohistochemical markers in differential diagnosis of follicular cell-derived thyroid lesions

BackgroundDifferentiating the different follicular derived lesions from each other can be challenging. Although immunohistochemistry is generally accepted as a useful ancillary technique in the diagnosis, controversy exists regarding the best marker or combination of markers to distinguish each lesion from its mimics. In this study, we aimed at evaluating multiple markers to compare their sensitivity and usefulness, and to find out if a combination of the evaluated markers can be of additional value in discriminating thyroid lesions.MethodsThe study included two groups of follicular derived thyroid lesions. Immunohistochemical evaluation of CD56, HBME-1, Gaectin-3 and CK19 was done for the two groups. The sensitivity and the specificity for each marker and their combination in the diagnosis were calculated.ResultsEach studied marker was sensitive and specific for certain thyroid lesion but the sensitivity and the specificity were increased when two or more markers from the panel were used together.ConclusionsAlthough no single immunohistochemical marker by itself is completely sensitive and specific for follicular thyroid lesions, the combination of CD56, HBME-1, Gaectin-3 and CK19 attains high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating follicular derived thyroid lesions