The diagnostic value of flow cytometric DNA measurements in follicular tumors of the thyroid gland

Abstract

Flow cytometric analysis of DNA content was performed on single or multiple samples from 34 thyroidectomy specimens. There were 29 thyroids with diploid DNA content, comprising 15 nonneoplastic lesions, 5 follicular adenomas, 1 medullary carcinoma, and 8 papillary carcinomas. Aneuploid DNA pattern was observed in five cases, including one metastatic mammary carcinoma. The initial histologic diagnoses in the remaining four aneuploid thyroid lesions were follicular carcinoma in one and follicular adenoma in three. The abnormal DNA pattern in the three follicular "adenomas" prompted a review of their aspiration cytologic and histologic features. The fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed in two of the three cases and showed evidence of a follicular neoplasm with significant nuclear atypia in both. Histologic review of the three lesions led to a modified diagnosis of noninvasive low grade follicular carcinoma in all three. Flow cytometric analysis of DNA content may prove to be a highly useful adjunct in the evaluation of follicular thyroid tumors. Long-term clinical follow-up is warranted to document the clinical significance of these observations.

Thyroid Cancer: 1999 Update and Evaluation of Solitary Thyroid Nodules

“…These histological findings require more tissue than can be obtained by FNA biopsy; a cytopathologist cannot differentiate between follicular or Hurthle cell adenoma and carcinoma based solely on a cytological examination. 18 -20 Use of additional cytological parameters, such as the cellular pattern, [21][22][23] nuclear diameter, 24 number and margination of nucleoli, 25,26 and DNA pattern as measured by flow cytometry, [27][28][29] has met with limited success in differentiating follicular or Hurthle cell carcinomas from adenomas. A repeat FNA biopsy may eliminate the misdiagnosis of benign lesions, although it cannot differentiate between benign and malignant follicular lesions.…”

Construction of cDNA Libraries from Microdissected Benign and Malignant Thyroid Tissue

“…about the validity of the histologic criteria in differentiating follicular adenomas from carcinomas were raised (Greenebaum et al, 1985). The MTC patient is known to manifest Pheochromocytoma as well as a germ-line mutation of the RET oncogene, indicating multiple endocrine neoplasia IIA syndrome.…”

Pathogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis. Relationship to risk factors associated with oral cancer

“…'~ These abnormalities are mostly translocations and deletions with breakpoints at specific locations. Another chromosomal abnormality that appears ubiquitous to most tumors is the presence of an- 16 Another finding closely allied to genetic abnormalities is the role of oncogenic viruses. These viruses carry genes that can act in a dominant fashion to cause cells to undergo malignant transformation.…”