26. HBME-1 and CK19 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a localised case series

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> The diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma is based on nuclear features. At times the evaluation of these features can be controversial. The immunohistochemical markers HBME-1 and CK19 have been suggested by some authors as an adjunct to diagnosis, however debate remains regarding their utility in routine diagnostic practice. <h3>Aim</h3> To evaluate the expression of immunohistochemical markers HMBE-1 and CK-19 in cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosed within our institution. <h3>Methods</h3> Eighteen cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosed by Mater Pathology between January 2008 and April 2009 were included in the study. These represented all cases found on file within the time period. The cases comprised classical (7), follicular (6), encapsulated (1), tall cell (1) and macrofollicular (1) variants of papillary carcinoma, as well as papillary microcarcinomas (2). One representative block from each tumour was stained with the immunohistochemical markers HBME-1 and CK19. <h3>Results</h3> HBME-1 was expressed by fifteen of the carcinomas. CK19 was expressed by fourteen carcinomas. HBME-5 and CK19 were not expressed in the adjacent non-neoplastic thyroid tissue in all cases.