Aim: Follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma [FVPC] as a diagnostic entity has been beset by many controversies. In this study, we describe the nuclear features essential for the diagnosis and analyze the difficulties that confront pathologists as it is important to avoid pitfalls because appropriate management protocol depends upon on an accurate diagnosis of this variant. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 cases, diagnosed as FVPC over a period of two years in the Department of Pathology, were taken for the study. Haematoxylin and Eosin stained sections were reviewed. The extent and distribution of nuclear features were analyzed. Results: The 30 cases of FVPC were categorized into encapsulated and infiltrative groups basing on the presence or lack of capsule and capsular invasion and vascular invasion. Conclusion: FVPC is diagnosed basing on specific nuclear features and hence histopathology still remains the gold standard for the accurate diagnosis.

A 60 years old female patient presented with flank pain. The radiological features were suggestive of angiomyolipoma of the kidney. The clinical features, gross and microscopic and immunohistochemical findings are presented.

Abstract:Background: Astroblastomas are rare glial tumors occuring in the supratentorial region of the brain. They constitute of 0.45%-2.8% of primary glial tumors. Case Report: A 21 year old male patient presented with tumor in the left frontal region which was totally excised. Microscopic examination showed features of low grade astroblastoma. Conclusion: Astroblastomas are rare glial tumors which need to be differentiated from ependymoma, papillary meningioma and glioblastoma with focal astroblastic pattern and IHC helps in diagnosis. The treatment advocated for low grade tumors is radical surgical excision.