Immunohistochemical Expression of HBME-1, E-cadherin, and CD56 in the Differential Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules

Abstract

Background and Objective. Distinction between benign and malignant thyroid tumors is essential for proper clinical management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of a set of 3 molecular markers in the differential diagnosis of thyroid tumors. Material and Methods. Immunohistochemistry for HBME-1, E-cadherin (E-CAD), and CD56 was carried out in 36 follicular adenomas, 77 colloid goiters, 36 papillary thyroid carcinomas, and 14 follicular carcinomas. Sixty-eight thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) cases confirmed by subsequent surgical resection specimens were selected. Immunocytochemistry for HBME-1, E-CAD, and CD56 was performed in these cases, including 25 papillary thyroid carcinomas, 1 follicular carcinoma, 22 follicular adenomas, and 20 colloid goiters. Results. PTC was characterized by a decreased expression of E-CAD and CD56 contrary to the surrounding benign thyroid tissues. There was no HBME-1 expression in benign thyroid tissues, but it was high in papillary thyroid carcinomas and weak in follicular adenomas. The expression of E-CAD and CD56 was significantly higher in follicular adenomas than in the surrounding thyroid tissues. Analyzing the FNA material, HBME-1 expression was documented in 96% of papillary thyroid carcinomas, but there was no expression in the benign lesions. E-CAD and CD56 expression was significantly weakened in papillary thyroid carcinomas, but enhanced in follicular adenomas. Conclusions. HBME-1 was found only in malignant lesions and can be considered the most sensitive, specific single marker in papillary thyroid carcinomas. CD56 and E-CAD can assist in the decision-making on the benign and malignant nature of the nodule. Immunocytochemistry is of value as an ancillary test to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid FNA samples.

CD56, HBME-1 and cytokeratin 19 expressions in papillary thyroid carcinoma and nodular thyroid lesions

“…[3] In the differentiation of thyroid lesions, cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and mesothelioma antibody (HBME-1: Mesothelioma ab-1) expressions were examined in many studies and significant results were obtained. [456] Similarly, there were studies showing that loss of CD56 expression in malignant thyroid lesions. [3567] CD56 is a neural cell adhesion molecule that is expressed in natural killer cells, activated T-lymphocytes, and neural and muscle tissue.…”

“…[456] Similarly, there were studies showing that loss of CD56 expression in malignant thyroid lesions. [3567] CD56 is a neural cell adhesion molecule that is expressed in natural killer cells, activated T-lymphocytes, and neural and muscle tissue. [89] Studies reported that CD56 expressed in normal thyrocytes, benign or malignant follicular lesions but not in PTC and had quite high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating PTC other follicular thyroid lesions.…”

Diagnostic value of TROP-2 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma and comparison with HBME-1, galectin-3 and cytokeratin 19

“…Correct pathological diagnosis is necessary to minimize emotional stress, over-treatments and related financial costs brought by the diagnosis of thyroid cancer [3]. In order to eliminate disagreements among pathologists about well-differentiated lesions of thyroid derived from follicular epithelial cells and achieve diagnostic standardization, there have been many studies made where immunohistochemical and molecular markers are studied [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12]. The immunohistochemical markers Hector Battifora mesothelial cell epitope-1 (HBME-1), galectin 3 (Gal-3) and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) accepted to be indicators of malignancy in thyroid lesions have been used as products of such studies as panels in most pathology laboratories.…”

Application of CK 19 and CD 56 Immunohistochemical Markers in the Diagnosis of Thyroid Tumors

“…[8] Currently, the gold standard for the diagnosis of thyroid lesions, particularly PC, is histology. Using morphological criteria, most papillary cancers can be diagnosed with ease, except cases in which there is a paucity of diagnostic nuclear features.…”