Galectin-3 expression in thyroid tumors

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the expression of Galectin-3 in benign and malignant thyroid nodules and to assess its diagnostic value. Methods. Immunohistochemical analysis of Galectin-3 expression was performed on 64 surgically removed thyroid nodules, including 38 carcinomas (13 papillary, 2 tall cell variants, 4 lymph node metastases from papillary carcinoma,6 follicular variants of papillary carcinoma (FVPTC), 4 anaplastic, 5 follicular and 4 Hurthle cell carcinomas), as well as 26 benign lesions (10 follicular adenomas, 5 Hurthle cell adenomas, 11 nodular goiters with surrounding normal thyroid tissue). Results. We found strong and diffuse Galectin-3 expression in all malignant lesions except for one case of FVPTC and one follicular carcinoma. Normal thyrocytes and the majority of the benign lesions were negative for Galectin-3. This molecular marker was expressed in the cytoplasm as well as in the nuclei of follicular cells. Statistical analysis determined sensitivity 94.7%, specificity 69.2%, PPV 81.8%, NPV 90% and accuracy 83% of Galectin-3. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that immunohistochemical expression of Galectin-3 might contribute to differential diagnosis between malignant and benign thyroid nodules, including those with follicular architecture.