Abstract:

Introduction: The rate of follicular patterned thyroid lesions has significantly increased in the recent years. We frequently encounter differences of interpretation in the differentiation of papillary thyroid carcinoma follicular variant, follicular carcinoma, follicular adenoma and adenomatous nodule which are follicular patterned thyroid lesions. My aim is to distinguish these follicular pattered lesions from each other.   Material and Methods: In my study, 119 cases were viewed from the pathology archives deposited of hospital. In these cases, it was evaluated expressions of galectin 3, PTEN and thyroid peroxidase immunohistochemical markers. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed cytoplasmic staining with galectin 3 and thyroid peroxidase, nuclear and cytoplasmic staining with PTEN.   Results: The intensity and percentage of staining with galectin 3 compared with the malignant lesions were lower markedly in benign lesions. The intensity and percentage of staining with PTEN were higher in benign lesions compared with the malignant lesions. The intensity and percentage of staining with thyroid peroxidase compared with the malignant lesions were higher markedly in benign lesions.   Discussion and Conclusion: These immunohistochemical stains may be used together especially in the differential diagnosis of the papillary thyroid carcinoma follicular variant, follicular carcinoma, follicular adenoma and adenomatous nodule confused with each other.

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