DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF GALECTIN - 3 IN THYROID NODULES A Dissertation submitted to
THE TAMILNADU Dr.M.G.R. MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI - 600032.
In partial fulfillment of the regulations for the award of the degree of M.D PATHOLOGY – BRANCH-III
DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL, SIRUVACHUR, PERAMBALUR - 621113.
May - 2020
ENDORSEMENT BY HEAD OF INSTITUTION
This is to certify that the dissertation entitled “DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF GALECTIN – 3 IN THYROID NODULES” is a bonafide research work done by DR.DHIVYA.M under the guidance of DR.RATH.P.K, MD Professor of the Department of Pathology in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of M.D Pathology and examination of The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R.
Medical University to be held in MAY –2020.
Date: Dean,
Place: Perambalur Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical college and
Hospital,siruvachur
Perambalur - 621113
ENDORSEMENT BY THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT
This is to certify that the dissertation entitled “DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF GALECTIN- 3 IN THYROID NODULES” is a bonafide research work done by DR.DHIVYA.M under the guidance of DR.RATH.P.K, MD Professor of the Department of Pathology in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of M.D Pathology and examination of The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University to be held in MAY –2020
Date: Dr.UMADEVI T.B, M.D, Place: Perambalur Professor and Head,
Dept. of Pathology.
Dhanalakshmi srinivasan Medical college and Hospital,siruvachur
Perambalur - 621113
CERTIFICATE BY THE GUIDE
This is to certify that the dissertation entitled “DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF GALECTIN - 3 IN THYROID NODULES” is a bonafide research work done by DR.DHIVYA.M under my guidance in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of M.D Pathology and examination of The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University to be held in MAY –2020
Date Dr.RATH.P.K,M.D
Place: Perambalur Professor,
Dept. of Pathology Dhanalakshmi srinivasan
Medical college and Hospital,siruvachur
Perambalur - 621113
DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE
I, DR.M.DHIVYA hereby declare that this dissertation entitled
“DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF GALECTIN - 3 IN THYROID NODULES” is a bonafide and genuine research work carried out by me under the guidance of DR.RATH.P.K, MD , Professor of the Department of Pathology, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur, Tamilnadu.
This dissertation is submitted to The Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University, towards partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of M.D Degree (Branch-III) in Pathology.
Date: Dr.Dhivya.M Place: Perambalur Postgraduate student
Dept. of Pathology,
Dhanalakshmi srinivasan
Medical college and
Hospital,siruvachur
Perambalur - 621113
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Date: Dr. Dhivya.M
Place: Perambalur Postgraduate student, Dept. of Pathology,
Dhanalakshmi srinivasan Medical college and
Hospital,siruvachur Perambalur - 621113
© The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai.
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Date: DR. Rath.P.K,M.D, Place: Perambalur Professor,
Department of Pathology.
Dhanalakshmi srinivasan Medical college and Hospital,siruvachur
Perambalur - 621113
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I thank Professor Dr.Maragathamani elongovan M.S Dean, Dhanalakshmi srinivasan Medical College, for having permitted me to conduct the study and use the hospital resources in the study.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Dr. Umadevi.T.B MD, Professor and Head, Department of Pathology, Dhanalakshmi srinivasan Medical College, for her inspiration, advice and guidance in making this work complete.
I am greatly indebted to my guide Dr.P.K .Rath M.D ,Professor ,Department of pathology, Dhanalakshmi srinivasan Medical College , under whose inspiring and potential guidance,sustained interest and encouragement ,I was able to understand and finish this study
I would like to thank Dr.M.Suresh ,M.D ,Professor,Department of pathology
, Dhanalakshmi srinivasan Medical College for his encouragement
throughout my thesis
I am sincerely thankful to Dr.M.Elancheran ,M.D , Associate professor ,Department of pathology , Dhanalakshmi srinivasan Medical College for his valuable suggestions and contributions throughout my study
I wish to record my sincere gratitude to all Assistant professors ,Department of pathology Dhanalakshmi srinivasan Medical College for their constant support and encouragement during my study
I wish to thank all laboratory technicians, histopathology for their technical assistance.
I am grateful to my friends and my colleagues for the help they rendered during my study.
ABBREVIATIONS
CK - Cytokeratin
FA - Follicular Adenoma
FTC - Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma GAL 3 - Galectin 3
HBME-1 - Hector Battifora Mesothelial -1 IHC - ImmunoHistoChemistry
MIFC - Minimally Invasive Follicular Carcinoma MoAB - Monoclonal Antibody
PTC - Papillary thyroid carcinoma ROC - Receiver Operating Curve TPO - ThyroPeroxidase
TRH - Thyroid Releasing Hormone TSH - Thyroid Secreting Hormone TTF -1 - Thyroid Transcription Factor -1
WIFC - Widely Invasive Follicular Carcinoma
CONTENTS
CHAPTER
NO. TITLE PAGE NO
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 3
3 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 4
4 MATERIALS AND METHODS 54
5 OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS 64
6 ANNEXURE 1 – COLOR PLATES 79
7 DISCUSSION 84
8 SUMMARY 88
9 CONCLUSION 89
10 BIBILOGRAPHY 90
11. ANNEXURE II -MASTERCHART
1
.INTRODUCTION
Thyroid nodules are more prevalant in the general population .Its occurance is related to the women sex, age, iodine deficiency and head and neck radiation. The rate of malignancy in thyroid nodules ranges from 1.5% to 17%. Although the risk of malignancy in any thyroid nodule is small, thyroid cancer carries the main differential diagnosis1-6. Thyroid nodules, comprise benign and malignant neoplasms, as well as non neoplastic lesions such as colloid nodule and hyperplastic nodule7. The diagnosis of thyroid nodules can be established by histopathology and by clinical evidence in most of the cases. Some Thyroid lesions with nodular architecture and follicular pattern of growth often pose difficulties in accurate diagnosis8. Hyperplastic nodules are recognized by differences in follicular size associated with degenerative changes. Follicular adenomas and normal parenchyma are separated by fibrous capsule.Presents as micro or macro follicular pattern along with lack of vascular lesions. In case of hyperplastic nodule presenting with mico or macro follicular pattern and adenoma with distortion of capsule there arises difficulty in diagnosis. Another difficulty is atypical follicular adenoma which have increased cellularity , nuclear atypia and mitotic activity. Another entity having difficulty in diagnosis is hyalinizing trabecular adenoma , which resembles the morphologic features of PTC8. Identification of benign lesion and accurate diagnosis is very important for proper management .Here arises the need for immunohistochemistry in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid lesion.
1
Many authors have stressed the utility of immunohistochemistry in resolving the aforementioned diagnostic issues9.Galectin 3, betagalactosyl binding lectin may help in differentiating between benign and malignant thyoid nodules.
2
2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. To study the diagnostic value of Galectin 3 in thyroid nodules 2. To find the difference in expression of galectin 3 in benign and
malignant thyroid tumours
3
3.REVIEW OF LITERATURE ANATOMY
The thyroid gland is a bilobated organ connected by isthmus. The gland extends from fifth cervical vertebra to the first thoracic vertebra 10. The gland covered by capsule and pretracheal fascia ,which is responsible for the movement during deglutition.Left lobe of thyroid is smaller when compared to right lobe2. The superior thyroid arteries, which branch from the external carotid arteries, and the inferior thyroid arteries, which branch from the subclavian arteries supply the thyroid gland10.
Embryogenesis of thyroid gland begins during fourth week of intrauterine life.Develops from foramen caecum as endodermal derivative and descent through the tongue carrying with it the thyroglossal duct. Thyroid gland secretes hormone from the twelth week10.
4
FIGURE - 1
ANATOMY OF THYROID GLAND
HISTOLOGY
Thyroid gland consists of thyroid follicles which is lined by single layer of cuboidal epithelium.Follicles contain homogeneous colloid.Thyroid gland surrounded by capsule from which septae arises dividing the gland into lobules11.
5
FIGURE – 2
HISTOLOGY OF THYROID GLAND
PHSIOLOGY OF THYROID GLAND
The thyroid gland is a part of the hypothalamus-pituitary- axis(HPA).The hypothalamus secretes thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) which activates thyrotrophic cells of pituitary to secrete thyrotrophic secreting hormone (TSH) .Thyrotrophic secreting hormone acts on thyroid
follicular cells to produce thyroid hormones called triiodothyroxine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine or thyroxine (T4)12.
The hormones (T3 and T4) control the secretion of both TSH and TRH by negative feed back mechanism12.
6
IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY OF THYROID
Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) expression is found in normal,benign and malignant thyroid follicular cells.Also expressed in lung epithelium.Shows diffuse positivity13
Thyroid transcription factor 2 (TTF 2) expressed in normal thyroid follicular cells 100% and also expressed in oropharynx,esophagus and tracheal epithelium13.
Paired box gene 8 is a member of the paired box (PAX) family .Expressed in thyroid tissue and kidney.Shows diffuse positivity with nuclear staining13.
Thyroglobulin which is the precursor molecule of thyroid hormones 8.It stains both cytoplasm and extracellular colloid13.Diffuse positivity seen in all normal thyroid follicular cells13.
CK7, CK18, CK8 and CK1914.
Low molecular metal binding proteins such as ceruloplasmin, lactoferrin, transferrin, metallothionein15.
Vimentin14.
Follicular cells are joined by tight junctions containing the known components of these structures, including occludin and the various claudins16
Many pathologic lesions affect thyroid gland with diferent morphologies. Eventhough many lesions are there its to divide into two major types: one that shows a diffuse pattern and the other that produce nodules. Diffuse thyroid lesions are lesions in which entire thyroid gland is
affected, such as hyperplasias and thyroiditis. Nodular lesions are lesions which include both 7
non neoplastic hyperplasias as well as benign and malignant tumors17. Thyroid tumors are of two types; one that arises from thyroid follicular cells such as papillary carcinoma of thyroid , follicular carcinoma of thyroid and anaplastic carcinoma of thyroid and the Other one is Medullary carcinoma of thyroid that arises from thyroid parafollicular C cells.
Most of the tumors are are diagnosed by histopathological examination but sometimes it is difficult especially in distinguishing hyperplasia and follicular variant of papillary
carcinoma.Differentiating follicular adenoma from follicular carcinoma are trouble some7. MULTINODULAR GOITRE
Thyroid glands are enlarged irregularly due to repeated stimulation and involution
GROSS
Simple goitre – cut surface shows firm in consistency and are amber
Multinodular goiters are irregular and cutsuface filled with colloid and shows haemorrhage.Intact capsule are identified18
FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY
Cellularity of the smears varies from sparse to moderately cellular
Sheets or macrofollicles and sometimes microfollicles are also seen
Pigment laden macrophages along with thick or thin colloid also seen
Nuclear features of papillary carcinoma such as overlapping ,pseudo inclusions and finely dispersed chromatin should be absent 19,20
MICROSCOPY
Follicles are dilated and in variable sizes lined with flattened epithelium 8
Nodules are seen
Fibrosis,calcifications,haemorrhage and osseous metaplasia – secondary changes that can be identified
Papillary projections (Sanderson polsters) can be seen in few cystically dilated follicles
It may mimick papillary carcinoma but nuclear features are absent 18
FIGURE – 3
MULTINODULAR GOITRE
Figure 3, Nodular with Variable sized follicles filled with colloid
9
FIGURE – 4
MULTI NODULAR GOITRE
Figure 4,Variable sized follicles lined by flattened epithelium HYPERPLASTIC NODULES
Non neoplastic hyperplasia usually presents with multiple nodules and can have dominant nodule,which become difficult to distinguish from true neoplasms GROSS
Thyroid enlarged with multiple nodules . secondary changes such as calcification,haemorrhage and cystic degenereation can be noted.
10
MICROSCOPY
Presents with different morphology .Some with many nodules lined by flattened epithelium and others with papillary projection which become difficult to distinguish from papillary
carcinoma18.
FIGURE – 5
HYPERPLASTIC NODULE
WHO classification of thyroid tumors - (2017)(21)
1. Tumors of the thyroid gland a. Follicular adenoma
11
b. Hyalinizing trabecular tumor
c. Other encapsulated follicular patterned thyroid tumors i. Tumors of uncertain malignant potential
ii. Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features d. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)
Follicular variant of PTC
Encapsulated variant of PTC
Papillary microcarcinoma
Columnar cell variant of PTC
Oncocytic variant of PTC
e. Follicular thyroid carcinoma
FTC, minimally invasive
FTC, encapsulated angioinvasive
FTC, widely invasive
i. Hürthle (oncocytic) cell tumors
Hürthle cell adenoma
Hürthle cell carcinoma
f. Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma 12
g. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma h. Squamous cell carcinoma i. Medullary thyroid carcinoma
j. Mixed medullary and follicular thyroid carcinoma k. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
l. Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia m. Mucinous carcinoma
n. Ectopic thymoma
o. Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation p. Intrathyroid thymic carcinoma
q. Paraganglioma and mesenchymal / stromal tumors i. Paraganglioma
ii. Peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Schwannoma
Malignant PNST
iii. Benign vascular tumors
Haemangioma
13
Cavernous haemangioma
Lymphangioma
iv. Angiosarcoma
v. Smooth muscle tumors
Leiomyoma
Leiomyosarcoma
vi. Solitary fibrous tumor r. Hematolymphoid tumors i. Langerhans cell histiocytosis ii. Rosai-Dorfman disease
iii. Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma iv. Primary thyroid lymphoma s. Germ cell tumors
Benign teratoma
Immature teratoma
Malignant teratoma
t. Secondary tumors
14
Benign follicular thyroid tumors FOLLICULAR ADENOMA
Follicular adenoma is a common neoplasm of the thyroid gland and it is a benign encapsulated tumor. Clinically and biochemically patient will be euthyroid22. Follicuar adenoma lacks: (i) the evidence of capsular, vascular or any other type of invasion; and (ii) the nuclear features of the papillary family of neoplasms23.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
In multi nodular goitre usually pathologist donot make a diagnosis of follicular adenoma ,usually designed as hyperplastic nodules when there is no eviodence of malignancy.Follicular adenoma has a clonal origin while hyperplastic nodule is polyclonal origin74.
Incidence of follicular adenoma is 3 -5%.Incidence is more commin in iodine deficiency areas.Most commonly affects female and all age group is affected (mostly fifth and sixth decade)74.
CLINICAL FEATURES
Patient with large tumor develops symptoms of dyspnea, coughing , hoarseness, or dysphagia due to compression of trachea,recurrent laryngeal nerve and esophagus. Sometime present with hyperthyroidism22
15
ETIOLOGY
Iodine deficiency and endemic goiter are the predisposing factors associated with follicular adenoma31.Radiation exposure increases the risk of follicular adenoma by 15 times74.The
PAX8-PPAR gene rearrangement has been found in 4-13% of follicular adenomas.RAS mutation has also been found which plays an important role in transferring adenomas to follicular
carcinoma22,24.
FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY
Characterised by many follicular epithelial cells in sheets and in microfollicle pattern,3 dimensional clusters and in isolated in a background of scanty or no colloid22,25. Hyperplastic nodule can be differentiated from follicular neoplasm by presence of cohesive follicular cells ,macrofollicles and basement like material while follicular neoplasm has loosely cohesive clusters and clean background with absence of basement membrane or matrix like material26.27.
MACROSCOPY
A follicular adenoma is encapsulated tumor with solitary round or oval nodule, ranges from 1-3 cm. 21. The capsule can be thin or thick. The cut surface is homogeneous greyish-white, tan and brown in colour. Secondary changes such as haemorrhage and cystic degeneration can also be noted.Multiple tumrs are usually rare74.
MICROSCOPY
Completely enveloped by thin fibrous capsule . 16
Capsular and vascular invasion is absent.
They are classified based on their growth pattern as macrofollicular, simple, microfollicular, fetal, embryonic and trabecular34
The tumour cells can be cuboidal , polygonal or tall . The cytoplasm is
moderately abundant with pale eosinophilic to amphophilic. The nuclei is round with basally located and even chromatin distribution74
Lacking the nuclear features of papillary thyroid carcinoma20
FIGURE -6
FOLLICULAR ADENOMA
Figure 6 ,Tumour cells are completely enveloped by fibrous capsule
17
IMMUNOPHENOTYPE
Follicular adenomas are immunoreactive for
cytokeratins,
thyroglobulin
TTF1
PAX8
Negative for calcitonin and carcino embryonic antigen
Immunoreactivity for galectin 3 and HBME is very rare
FIGURE – 7
FOLLICULAR ADENOMA
Figure 7,The tumour cells are cuboidal and the cytoplasm is moderately abundant with pale eosinophilic and the nucleus is round
18
VARIANTS
Follicular adenoma with papillary hyperplasia
Follicular adenoma with bizarre nuclei
Lipoadenoma
Signet-ring cell follicular adenoma
Clear cell follicular adenoma
Spindle cell follicular adenoma
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Hyperplastic/adenomatoid nodules17
Follicular carcinoma30
Follicular variant of papillary carcinoma
Atypical follicular adenoma17
PROGNOSIS AND PREDICTIVE FACTORS
Complete removal of follicular adenoma carries no risk74.
‗‗
ATYPICAL FOLLICULAR ADENOMA’’
Encapsulated follicular lesions,
Lack evidence of capsular or vascular invasion
Shows cellularity,necrosis,haemorrhage and infarction31 19
HYALINIZING TRABECULAR ADENOMA Epidemiology
Most commonly occurs in female with mean age of 50 years
Etiology
Radiation exposure has been reported occasionally CLINICAL FEATURES
Usually asymptomatic
MACROSCOPY
Single,
well-circumscribed or encapsulated tumour with round or oval shape. Cut surface shows white in colour and soft to firm in consistency.MICROSCOPY
Well circumscribed
Trabecular or zell ballen or lobulated
Cells are large or medium size and polygonal
Cytoplasm – mostly eosinophilic.granular and rarely perinuclear halo
Nucleus – round,vesicular,grooves and membrane irregularities are also seen
Mitosis are rare
Absence of capsular ,vascular and parenchymal invasion 20
Abundant hyaline amorphous material is present within the trabeculae (congo red is negative)
MALIGNANT NEOPLASM 1.PAPILLARY CARCINOMA
Papillary carcinoma accounts for 80–85% of malignancy of thyroid28.Have excellent prognosis and 10% recurrences occur29.Occurs more commonly in women
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Common cancer in both adults and children.
Accounts for about 65% of cases in Ireland, 86.2% in the USA, and 93% in Japan
The median patient age at diagnosis is 50 years Women incidence is three times more than men.74
ETIOLOGY
Etiological factors are
Environmental
Genetic
Hormonal factors
Radiation28,34
LOCALIZATION
Can arise in either lobe or in the isthmus 21
Can also occur in ectopic thyroid74
GENETIC FEATURES
18,24,32,33 BRAFp.V600E
Most common alteration seen and very good diagnostic factors for diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma
PAX8/PPARG
Noted in 20-50% of papillary carcinoma
RET/PTC
Fusion oncogene .Most common will be gene rearrangement.It is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase
TERT
Represents poor prognosis
ALK
Rearrangement noted in 1-5% of papillary carcinoma
RAS
Most commonly seen in follicular variant of papillary carcinoma
CLINICAL FEATURES
Usually presents as an asymptomatic mass with or without enlargement of regional (cervical) lymph nodes
In approximately 20% of cases Hoarseness and dysphagia occur 22
Nodal metastases in the lateral neck are reported in 27% of patients at presentation74
FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY
Papillae, sheets, microfollicles
Nuclear changes
o Nuclear enlargement
o 'Powdery' chromatin35
o Nuclear pseudoinclusions and grooves
o Nucleoli (small or large)36
o Irregular nuclear membrane
Nuclear crowding and molding
Variable cytoplasm (scant, squamoid, hürthle-like, vacuolated)37
Psammoma bodies
Histiocytes (multinucleated giant cells)
MACROSCOPY
Grey white
firm in consistency
calcification and cystic change also noted2823
MICROSCOPY
many papillae which are complex ,branching and randomly oriented with central fibro vascular core
papillae lined by single or many layer of cuboidal cells
Extensive fibrosis is noted
Psammoma bodies – concentric lamellation with basophilic in appearance18,28,38NUCLEAR FEATURES
optically clear nucleus – large size and overlapping of nucleus seen.The nucleolus is inconspicuous .Also called as orphan annie eyed or ground glass nucleus
Nuclear pseudoinclusion – invagination of cytoplasm in the nucleus.
Nuclear grooves – due to infoldings of nuclear membrane .seen in the longest nuclear axis
Some of them may have solid or trabecular pattern spindle cell component also identified18,28
24
FIGURE -8
PAPILLARY CARCINOMA
Figure 8, Papillae with fibrovascular core
HISTOLOGICAL TYPES
1.PAPILLARY MICROCARCINOMA
papillary carcinoma with 1cm or less in diameter .Usually not identified by FNAC due to its small size.Have good prognosis and rare metastasis18
Also called occult sclerosing carcinoma and occult papillary39
Lesions are mostly missed in gross bcoz of its small size40,41
Microscopically, has scar like appearances 25
The neoplastic elements predominate at the periphery, whereas other elements are entrapped in the centre.
Covered by fibrous capsule
Overall, the prognosis of papillary microcarcinoma 1s excellent.
Prognosis is good30
2.ENCAPSULATED VARIANT
Tumour entirely Surrounded by capsule42 .
Differ from normal papillary carcinoma by having normal or hyperchromatic nucleus .Have potential to metastasis
Accounts for 10% of cases
Prognosis is good74
3.FOLLICULAR VARIANT
Papillary carcinoma containing more or less completely follicles with similar nuclear features of papillary carcinoma43.
26
FIGURE – 9
FOLLICULAR VARIANT OF PAPILLARY CARCINOMA
Figure 9,enlarged and overlapped vesicular nuclei with irregular membranes ,bright colloid with scalloping(H&E ,high power)
Infiltrative variant – with infiltrative margins
Encapsulated follicular variant – surrounded by capsule completely
Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary like nuclear features (NIFTP) –
Full encapsulation or partial encapsulation with clear demarcation
Growth pattern (<1% papillae)
Nuclear features of papillary carcinoma, defined by a nuclear score of 2 or 3
Absence of lymphovascular and capsular invasion44
Less than 30% of the tumor volume showing a trabecular, insular or solid architecture 27
Less than 3 mitoses/10 high power fields
No necrosis identified
No psammoma bodies.
4.SOLID VARIANT
Most common in children and young adults
Proliferation of follicular cell occurs more than secretory activity seen as solid nests.
1-3% of papillary carcinoma belongs to solid variant
Metastasis to lung more common
Poorly differentiated carcinoma resembles solid variants but it does not exhibit nuclear features of papillary thyroid carcinoma and has high mitotic activity and necrosis
Aggressive behaviour34
5.MACROFOLLICULAR VARIANT
Proliferating activity is less than secretory activity so follicles appears dilated21
6.DIFFUSE SCLEROSING VARIANT
Most common in women,
Most frequently in the second or third decade of life
Diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland is seen 28
Dense sclerosis associated with diffuse involvement of the gland.
Psammoma bodies are noted
Tumour nests appear solid, with associated squamous metaplasia.
Metastasis are common28,38
7.ONCOCYTIC VARIANT
Very rare tumour
Have abundant and granular cytoplasm
Prognosis is good
8.TALL CELL VARIANT
Contains papillae lined by cells having height three times that of width
Tram track or cord pattern also identified in addition to papillae
Tumor shows abundant eosinophilic (oncocytic-like) cytoplasm.
Nuclear features and pseudo inclusions are also noted
Tall cells accounting for 30% of tumor cells are required for the diagnosis of the tall cell variant
The tall cell variant usually occurs at an older patient age
Aggressive variant
Prognosis is less favourable30,43,44
29
FIGURE – 10
TALL CELL VARIANT OF PAPILLARY CARCINOMA
Figure 10,Tram track pattern(H&E,X40)
9.COLUMNAR CELL VARIANT
Rare variant
Lined by columnar cells showing pseudostratifications
Cells lack the conventional nuclear features of Papillary carcinoma
Prognosis is poor .28,38
30
FIGURE – 11
COLUMAR CELL VARIANT OF PTC
Figure 11,stratified tall eosinophilic epithelium with elongated nuclei,psommoma body noted (H&E,high power)
10.HOBNAIL VARIANT
>30 of cells show hobnail features
Rare variant
Papillary arrangement with follicular cells containing abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and apically placed nuclei with prominent nucleoli
Psammoma bodies are present 31
Necrosis, mitoses , angiolymphatic invasion, and extrathyroidal extension are common.
Recurrence and metastasis to lymph nodes are common
Have aggressive behaviour28,38,43,44
11.CRIBRIFORM-MORULAR VARIANT
Cribriform and morular pattern of growth.mostly seen in females
Sporadic cases are usually solitary and cases associated with familial adenomatous polyposis are multifocal.
Encapsulated tumor
cribriform, follicular, papillary, trabecular, and solid growth patterns, with round squamoid structures called morules.
The morules contain optically clear nuclei 28SPREAD AND METASTASIS
Lymphnode metastasis are common than blood bourne metastasis
cervical lympphnode are common and extrathyroidal soft tissues are also affected
metastsis to lung common through blood bourne.can also occurs in breast , bone, soft tissues and CNS.30,43
PROGNOSIS
Male have worst prognosis than female 32
Size of the tuour inverse relationship with prognosis
Multicentricity prognosis poor
Lung metastasis have poor prognosis
Extrathyroidal extension poor prognosis
Lymphnode metastasis poor prognosis
Squamous,anaplastic and poorly differentiated areas if present will be of poor prognosis
TERT and BRAFv600E have poor prognosis18,28,38,43,44
FOLLICULAR THYROID CARCINOMA (FTC)
Carcinoma with evidence of vascular or capsular invasion and absence of nuclear features of papillary thyroid carcinoma22,31
Second most common malignancy of thyroid 5-10%22,31
Follicular carcinoma cannot be differentiated from follicular adenoma by cytology
ETIOLOGY
22Iodine deficiency and endemic goitre are known predisposing factor for follicular carcinoma.
GENETIC FEATURES
RAS gene occur in 30%to 50% of follicular carcinomas
PAX8-PPARγ gene fusion - results in the production of fusion protein (PPFP) . 33
PPFP is found in follicular carcinoma . TERT – 10 – 35% of follicular carcinoma
PIK3CA and PTEN – in 0 – 10% of follicular carcinoma18,24
FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY
Moderate to high cellularity26.27
Repetative microfollicles
Cells are equal sized arranged in syncytium or rosettes19,20
Overlapping and crowding of nucleus seen
Scanty or no colloid
MACROSCOPY
Follicular carcinoma have thick capsule with round to oval in shape18,45.
Macroscopically, the tumors are light brown to pink in cut section, with areas of haemorrhage, necrosis and fibrosis. Kuru et al 45 found that nodule size more than or equal to 4cm was associated with increased risk of malignancy compared with nodule size less than 4cm.
MICROSCOPY
Varies from well formed follicles to poorly formed follicles or solid growth pattern
Even cribriform areas and trabecular formations or spindle cells are noted.
34
Microscopically, these carcinomas are quite uniform and hyper cellular, showing follicle formation with minimal colloid, while a widely invasive subtype often shows a solid or trabecular growth pattern.
The tumor cells lack the nuclear features of papillary carcinoma of thyroid.
The hurtle cell variant of follicular thyroid carcinoma is composed of oxyphilic cells with a typical appearance of abundant granular and eosinophilic cytoplasm46-53 .
The presence of vascular and/or capsular invasion is the only feature that can distinguishes a follicular carcinoma from follicular adenoma, which means that distinction between the two requires thorough inspection of the tumor capsule interface46 Follicular carcinoma invasion ;
Histological confirmation of capsular invasion and /or vascular invasion is necessary for the diagnosis of Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma.
Capsular invasion
Complete transgression of the fibrous capsule (the tumor has to penetrate the entire thickness of the capsule) should be considered as an unequivocal evidence of capsular invasion
But the invading tumor nests should show a connection with the main tumor mass31,46-53
35
FIGURE - 12
FOLLICULAR NEOPLASM WITH FIBROUS CAPSULE
The A. Inner aspect of the capsule showing bosselation is not a capsular invasion
B. Sharp tumor bud invades into but not through the capsule suggesting invasion requiring deeper sections to exclude.
C. Transgression of capsule beyond the outer contour of the capsule considered as capsular invasion
D.Tumor that have developed a thin fibrous capsule but already extending beyond an imaginary (dotted) line drawn through the outer contour of the capsule considered as capsular invasion
E. Satellite tumor nodule features same as tumour cells presents outside capsule is considered as capsular invasion
36
F. Follicles arranged perpendicular to tumour does not represent capsular invasion G. Follicles arranged parallel to the capsule do not represent capsular invasion H. Mushroom-shaped tumor with total transgression of the capsule represents capsular invasion
Vascular invasion
Tumour embolus should be present in the capsular vessels which is adherent to the vessel wall and the endothelial cells
The histological criteria for diagnosis of vascular invasion are defined as follows:
1.In subendothelial location tumour should be present as plug or polyp
2. Endothelium should cover the tumour completely.tumour cells lying in the lumen will be a artefact
3. The endothelialised tumor embolus should be attached to the vessel wall 31 Vascular invasion is the more consistent feature of malignancy than
capsular invasion
37
FIGURE – 13
VASCULAR INVASION
A.Tumor fragments free floating inside the vessel usually represents artifacts not considered as vascular invasion
B. Tumor bulging and indenting the vessel wall are not counted as vascular invasion C.Tumor floating in intracapsular vessel may be from sectioning of tumor is not counted as vascular invasion
38
D. Endothelialized tumor deposit is juxtaposed to the vessel wall not couned as vascular invasion.
E. Tumor is juxtaposed to vessel wall and associated with a thrombus.
F. Tumor penetrating vessel wall also with thrombus formation
G. Tumor fragments in intermingled with an organized thrombus and adherent to vessel wall.
SUBTYPES
MINIMALLY INVASIVE (LOW-GRADE) FOLLICULAR CARCINOMA
which in turn can be Subdivided into: -
1. Have only capsular invasion, without angioinvasion 2. With angioinvasion
limited angioinvasion, including less than 4 vascular spaces
Extensive angioinvasion,- including 4 or more than 4 vascular spaces.51
WIDELY INVASIVE FOLLICULAR CARCINOMA
shows widespread infiltration of the tumor into the thyroid parenchyma and into the blood vessels
often lack complete encapsulation
Penetration of entire thickness of the capsule by the tumor with or without vascular permeation.51,52,53
39
Follicular Carcinoma is further classified based on the tissue pattern as follows;
PROGNOSIS
Follicular carcinomas that contains capsular invasion without vascular invasion carries a good prognosis
Number of vessels involved directly proportional to the,more number of vessels worst prognosis
Most common metastasis sites are bone ,lung brain and liver
TERT mutation is an independent marker of a higher risk of disease reccurances54
FOLLICULAR CARCINOMA ONCOCYTIC TYPE (HURTHLE CELL VARIANT)
EPIDEMIOLOGY
More common in men
Most common occurs in older age ( 57 years)
40
CLINICAL FEATURES
Usually painless mass
Rapid enlargement of the tumour resulting in respiratory compromise.
MACROSCOPY
Grossly brown to mahogany.
Capsule is usually seen
MICROSCOPY
Large cells with voluminous granular cytoplasm along with centrally located nuclei, which often have prominent nucleoli74
Nests and clusters of tumorcells are seen with fibrous bands Solid, trabecular, and follicular pattern of growth is identified
PROGNOSIS AND PREDICTIVE FACTORS
Prognosis depends on vascular invasion ,the more veins invaded by tumour, the less favourable the prognosis. Larger size (≥4cm strongly correlated to malignancy Higher prevalence of aggressive behavior and Lower survival rate 54
MEDULLARY CARCINOMA
Arises from para follicular cells which secretes calcitonin.It is a tumour of neuroendocrine origin
Usually rare tumor 1 - 2% of thyroid carcinomas
41
Either sporadic (nonhereditary) or familial (hereditary)
Sporadic:
constitutes 70% of medullary carcinoma
Usual age will be 45 years
Solitary always
Mutation of RET oncogene in 40-50%
RAS mutation are also seen Familial:
Constitute 30% of medullary carcinoma
Usually age will be around 35
Often multiple and bilateral
Can occur in one of the three 1. MEN 2A
2. MEN 2B syndromes,
3. familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC) syndrome
Caused by gain of function germline mutations in the RET 18,55
FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY
Cellular smears
Clusters or singly scattered
42
Can be spindle or plasmacytoid
Binucleate and multinucleated cells
Stippled nuclear chromatin
Amyloid – amorphous may be pink or violet
Positive staining for calcitonin19,20
MACROSCOPY
Usually solid and firm
Can be well circumscribed or non encapsulated
Cut surface revealed grey to yellow
Fibrous capsule enveloping the whole tumour can also be identified18,55
43
FIGURE – 14
MEDULLARY CARCINOMA THYROID
Figure 14,medullary carcinoma thyroid with background of amyloid
MICROSCOPY
Solid sheets of polygonal to round cells with abundant amphophilic and granular cytoplasm and medium sized nucleus
Amyloid and collagen seen in the background61,63
Growth can be trabecular ,glandular, pseudopapillary,carcinoid like or paraganglioma like
Psammoma bodies are sometimes seen
Tumour cells exhibits various shape ,may be plasmacytoid,spindle ,squamoid or squamous44
Can be1. Oncocytic – amphophilic rather eosinophilic 2. Papillary – papillary form
3. Mucinous 4. Clear cell variant
5. Small cell – resembling small cell lung carcinoma 6. Pigmented variant58,59,60
IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY
Positive for chromogranin A and B
Synaptophysin
TTF1
Keratin
Calcitonin
45
FIGURE – 15
CHROMOGRANIN POSITIVE
Figure 15,chromogranin positive in medullary carcinoma thyroid
POOR PROGNOSTIC FACTORS
older age
advanced stage
the presence of lymph node metastasis at diagnosis
somatic RET mutation1046
SPREAD AND METASTASIS
Can invade locally
Can metastases to cervical and mediastinal lymphnode
Distant organ such as lung ,liver and skeletal system are involved18,27,55-64
ANAPLASTIC CARCINOMA
Extremely aggressive and undifferentiated tumour
Usually occurs in elderly with rapidly growing mass
Presents with difficulty in breathing and swallowing and hoarsness of voice GENETIC
TP53
TERT
RAS
BRAFp.V600E
PIK3CA
PTEN
TP53 will be mostly associated with anaplastic carcinoma .
FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY
Multinucleate or bizaree cells
Can be spindled or squamoid
Atypia and mitosis almost seen
Background shows necrosis46,47
47
MACROSCOPY
Mostly solid tumour with areas of necrosis and haemorrhage are noted.No other specific features particular to this tumour
MICROSCOPY
It doesnot makes any pattern but epithelial in appearance and in immunohistochemistry
Includes squamoid and sarcomatoid
Squamoid – foci of keratin
Sarcomatoid – spindle cells and giant cells
Fascicular or storiform pattern
Osteoclast like multinucleated giant cells are seen
FIGURE 16
ANAPLASTIC CARCINOMA THYROID
48
VARIANT
Rhabdoid variant
FIGURE – 17
ANAPLASTIC CARCINOMA – RHABDOID VARIANT
Paucicellular variant – fibrosis and hyalinization notedIMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY
Keratin – positive
Vimentin – positive
Thyroglobulin – Negative
PAX 8 – positive
TTF1 and TTF2 – focally positive49
PROGNOSIS
Median survival is 6 months 27
TNM CLASSIFICATION (AJCC 8
THEDITION)
Primary Tumor (pT)
pTX: Primary tumor cannot be assessed pT0: No evidence of primary tumor
pT1: Tumor less than 0r equal to two cm in greatest dimension, but limited to the thyroid pT1a: Tumor less than or equal to one cm in greatest dimension,but limited to the thyroid pT1b: Tumor more than one cm but less than or equal to two cm in greatest dimension,but limited to the thyroid
pT2: Tumor more than two cm, but less than or equal to four cm in greatest dimension, but limited to thyroid
pT3: Tumor more than four cm limited to the thyroid, or gross extrathyroidal extension invading only strap muscles
pT3a: Tumor >4 cm limited to the thyroid
pT3b: Gross extrathyroidal extension invading only strap muscles (sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, or omohyoid muscles) from a tumor of any size
pT4: Includes gross extrathyroidal extension beyond the strap muscles
pT4a: Gross extrathyroidal extension invading subcutaneous soft tissues, larynx, trachea, esophagus, or recurrent laryngeal nerve from a tumor of any size
pT4b: Gross extrathyroidal extension invading prevertebral fascia or encasing the carotid artery or mediastinal vessels from a tumor of any size
50
GALECTIN 3
Galectin-3 is a beta-galactoside binding polypeptide belongs to lectin family.Molecular weight will be around 30kDa 8,9,13
FUNCTION
8,9Play a significant role in a number of biological processes.
Cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction
Linkage of cell
Movement of cell
Damaged cell repair.
Inflammation
Neoplastic transformation.
EXPRESSION
Human macrophages and neutrophils, mast cells, and Langerhans cells shows Galectin-3 expression.
colorectal and breast cancer shows downregulated expression66
Shows cytoplasmic positivity and nuclear positivity8,9,13,65,66,67REGULATION OF APOPTOSIS
In normal state Galectin 3 will be upregulated during cell growth .While in disease ,papillary carcinoma Galectin3 will be over expressed
It causes increased expression of nuclear transcription factor and to high proliferative state of the cell
51
Reduced expression of galectin 3 causes apoptosis in papillary carcinoma of thyroid68-72. p53-mediated apoptosis is regulated by Galectin 3 expression. Positive correlation between p53 mutations and Gal-3 expression in human thyroid carcinoma cells were identified.
Cellular Transformation and Metastasis
Studies revealed that overexpression of Galectin-3 in colon cancer causes liver metastasis while downregulation disfavours metastasis. It also suggest that Galectin-3 helps in regulation of normal cell proliferation and overexpression of Galectin-3 results in malignant transformation and metastasis.67,83,84
Distribution and intensity of Gal-3 cytoplasmic signal interpretation was based on the guidelines followed by Weber KB et al85., and Hermann ME73 et al.,
Intensity of staining was graded as 0 to 3 0 – No staining
1+ - weak staining 2+ - Moderate staining 3+ -Intense staining
Stained cell proportion interpreted as 1+ - (< 5% of cells)
2+ - (5% to 50% of cells)
3+ - (>50% of cells) 52
Many studies reported Gal -3 positivity in 90% to 100% of papillary carcinoma cases . Few studies reported Gal-3 expression in PTC varies by histological subtype, 82% to 100% cases of classic variant of papillary carcinoma shows positivity . 75% Gal-3 positivity expression is noted in FVPTC. No significant difference was found between FVPTC and classic PTC for the expression of Gal-3 in the study of 181 PTC‘s by Cvejic et al., Gal -3 expression was from 20% to 100% in cases of FTC . Few study, Gal -3 expression found positive in 50%
cases of MTC .Studies have noted variable Gal-3 expression in poorly differentiated thyroid cancers also .46,67
53
4. MATERIALS AND METHODS
This prospective and retrospective study material includes the patient who underwent surgery at Dhanalakshmi srinivasan medical college for nodular thyroid disease with histopathological diagnosis of non neoplastic and neoplastic thyroid lesions using haematoxylin and eosin staining in the Department of Pathology, Dhanalakshmi srinivasan Medical College during the period of June 2014 to June 2019
4.1) Study design Prospective study
4.2) Inclusion criteria
All Nodular thyroid lesion with histopathological confirmation
4.3) Exclusion criteria
a) Non nodular thyroid lesions diagnosed on histopathological evaluation b) Block could not be retrieved
c)Insufficient tissue in the block for performing IHC.
54
4.4 ) Sample size
A total number of 50 cases of surgically resected thyoid lesions that includes non neoplastic lesions, benign and malignant thyroid tumors were collected.
Out of 50 cases 28 were non neoplastic lesions that includes colloid nodule,multinodular goitre and adenamatoid nodule ,8 were benign that includes follicular adenoma (n = 8) and 14 were malignant that includes papillary carcinoma of all variants (n = 12) and follicular carcinoma (n = 2).
4.5)Materials required
(1) Formalin fixed paraffin blocks are obtained from all the cases of nodular lesions of the thyroid
(2) Hematoxylin and eosin stained tissue sections with the blocks of nodular thyroid lesions (3) Slides of positive charge are required for IHC
(4) chemicals which are used for preparing antigen retrieval and was buffer (5) For antigen retrieval pressure cooker is also needed
(6) Primary antibodies ( GALECTIN 3) and universal kit are needed (7) Microscope for grading in IHC
55
4.6 METHODOLOGY
COLLECTION OF BLOCKS AND SLIDES
Patient age, sex and type of thyoid surgery were collected from the case sheets of the patient and from the medical records of dhanalakshmi srinivasan medical college
The diagnostic criteria taken are as follows
1.Colloid nodule – varying sized follicles lined by flattened epithelium filled with colloid Nuclear features of papiilary thyroid carcinoma should be absent
2.Adenamatoid nodule – Diagnosed by usually unencapsulated mass along with presence of secondary changes.
3.Multinodular goitre – Multiple nodules having varying sized follicles lined by flattened epithelium to cuboidal epithelium .Nuclear features of papillary carcinoma should be absent.Fibrosis,calcification and haemorrhage are the secondary changes that can be identified
4.Follicular adenoma – Diagnosed by encapsulated mass along with proliferation of follicles and there should be absence of nuclear features of papillary carcinoma and absence of vascular/capsular invasion
56
5.Follicular carcinoma - Diagnosed by capsular/ vascular invasion along with atypical nuclei and that lacks the nuclearvfeatures of papillary carcinoma
6.Papillary carcinoma,classic variant – diagnosed by presence of branching papillae with fibrovascular core .Nuclear features such as clearing of the nucleus ,nuclear grooves and pseudo nuclear inclusions can be identified.psommamo bodies can also be identified
7. Papillary carcinoma ,follicular variant - Papillary carcinoma containing more or less completely follicles with similar nuclear features of papillary carcinoma
CONTROL BLOCKS
Tissues of papillary thyroid carcinoma,classic variant is taken as positive control for Galectin - 3
PREPARATION OF HAEMATOXYLIN AND EOSIN SLIDES
Blocks of all cases of thyroid nodules are collected
Tissues were fixed in the formalin to maintain the structure of the tissues
Then dehydration in ascending series of alcohol is done
Followed by clearing by xylene
Impregenation with paraffinwax
57
Embedding is done , a process by which tissues are provided with a supporting medium for cutting .Done with paraffin wax
Tissues are cut with a microtone in 3- 4 microns
Paraffin is dissolved with a solvent
Rehydration done with descending alcohol series
Slides were stained in haematoxylin
Blueing was done
Counterstained with1% eosin
Mounted in DPX
Haematoxylin stains the nucleus blue
Eosin stains the cytoplasm pink
PREPARATION OF IHC SLIDES
Slide cutting and antigen retrievel
Sections were taken at thickness of 4-5 microns on the surface of the APES (3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane) coated slides.
Incubation was done for 1 hour at 60-70degree.
Antigen retrievel solution and wash buffer was used as prescribed by the manufacturer (PATH INSITU)
The buffers are
1. Tris EDTA buffer at a PH of 9 2. Tris wash buffer at PH of 7.6.
58
BUFFER PREPARATION TRIS EDTA BUFFER
Tris –6.05gm EDTA--O.744gm 1 N HCL—4ml Distilled water—1litre TRIS WASH BUFFER
Tris -6.05gm
Sodium chloride -8gm 1N HCL-4ml
Distilled water-1 litre PRECAUTIONS
a) The glassware of immunohistochemistry must be clean and dry
b) The buffer used should be prepared fresh and adequate pH must be achieved by adjusting accordingly.
59
c) During the process of immunohistochemistry , the slide should never be
allowed to dry, and so a humidity chamber is used during staining and incubation.
d) DAB chromogen should be handled carefully as it is potentially carcinogenic.
e) All reagents –primary antibody ,DAB chromogen, Peroxidase block should be stored at ideal 4- 6 degree celcius
f) Every batch of slide should accompanied by positive and negative controls which ensures quality of the procedure.
PROCEDURE Antigen retrieval;
Many methods have been used for antigen retrieval which includes Microwave method, and water bath, autoclave, proteolytic enzyme and pressure cooker method. In our institution we followed antigen retrieval by using pressure cooker method ,as it produces even heating with lesser disadvantages as compared to other methods.
60
Procedure for immunohistochemistry as given by manufacturer;
1. Section cutting and incubation is followed by Xylene wash (3 changes) for 15minutes each.
2. Rehydrated in graded alchohol containing 100%, 80%, 70% for five minutes each.
3. Rinsed in distilled water for 2minutes each.
4. Antigen retrieval for 15-20 minutes in Tris-EDTA buffer and ph of the retrievl buffer adjusted to 9.
5. washed in distilled water, two changes, 2 minutes each.
6. Washed in TRIS wash buffer- 3changes 5minutes each.
7. Do endogeneous peroxidase blocking by adding H2O2 on the section, for 7 - 10minutes 8. Washed in TRIS wash buffer- 3changes 10minutes each.
9. Application of primary antibody ( GALECTIN 3) – 30 mins in moist chamber.
10. Washed in TRIS wash buffer- 3changes 10minutes each.
11. Add polyexcel Target binder for 15 mins
12. Washed in TRIS wash buffer- 3changes 10minutes each 61
13. Application of HRP POLYMERASE for 15 mins.
14. Washed in TBS wash buffer- 3changes 10minutes each.
15. Application of Diamino-benzidine tetrachloride(DAB) chromogen (1 drop) and DAB buffer (1ml) for 5 mins.
16. Washed in distilled water – 2 changes.
17. Counterstaining with Harris Hematoxylin – 1dip/30seconds to impart background staining.
18. Wash in running tap water.
19. Dehydrate (70%,80%,100%) 5minutes
20. Clear with xylene – 2 changes 5 minutes each.
21. Mount the section with Dextrene Phthalate Xylene 22. Observation and grading under light microscope.
ANTIBODIES USED
Antibodies Clone Dilution Manufacturer Buffer for antigen retrievel
PH of TRIS buffer
Visualisation kit
manufacturer Galectin 3 b2c10 Pre
diluted
Pathin situ TRIS EDTA
9 Pathin situ
62
4.7 GRADING OF IHC(Galectin 3) STAINING
Cytoplasmatic ± nuclear immunoreactivity for Gal-3,
Irrespective of intensity of staining,more than 5% of cells stained is taken as positive
Intensity of staining of cells;
1 = weak 2 =moderate 3 = strong
Proportion of cells stained
1+ (< 5% of cells)
2+ (5% to 50% of cells) 3+ (>50% of cells)
63