Open AccessC Cell Carcinoma of the Thyroid Follicular variant
Author(s) -
Lertprasertsuke Nirush,
Kakudo Kennichi,
Nakamura Atsushi,
Tada Nobuhiko,
Osamura Yoshiyuki,
Watanabe Keiichi,
Kubota Mitsuhiro
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
acta patholigica japonica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.73
H-Index - 74
ISSN - 0001-6632
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1827.1989.tb02452.x
Subject(s) - pathology , follicular carcinoma , thyroid , follicular phase , medicine , follicular cell , thyroid carcinoma , carcinoma , papillary carcinoma
A case of C cell carcinoma of the thyroid with an unusual follicular growth pattern of the cancerous C cells is described. The primary tumor consisted of a mixture of medullary and follicular features while the metastatic foci in the lymph nodes and liver displayed only a medullary arrangement. Histochemical study disclosed numerous argyrophilic cells in both the follicular and medullary parts. These cells were immunohistochemically positive for calcitonin, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and other peptides as well as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), but negative for thyroglobulin. Radioimmunoassay done on the tissue extract revealed a high content of calcitonin. Electron microscopy showed small intracytoplasmic secretory granules and, in the follicular lining cells, formation of microvilli. A minor component consisting of glandular structures has been reported in medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, suggesting a potentiality for glandular differentiation of the C cells. In equivocal cases, immuno‐histochemical examination for calcitonin and thyroglobulin is essential for accurate diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. Acta Pathol Jpn 39: 393‐399, 1989.