C cell carcinoma of the thyroid. Follicular variant

Acta Pathol Jpn. 1989 Jun;39(6):393-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1827.1989.tb02452.x.

Abstract

A case of C cell carcinoma of the thyroid with an unusual follicular growth pattern of the cancerous C cells is described. The primary tumor consisted of a mixture of medullary and follicular features while the metastatic foci in the lymph nodes and liver displayed only a medullary arrangement. Histochemical study disclosed numerous argyrophilic cells in both the follicular and medullary parts. These cells were immunohistochemically positive for calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and other peptides as well as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), but negative for thyroglobulin. Radioimmunoassay done on the tissue extract revealed a high content of calcitonin. Electron microscopy showed small intracytoplasmic secretory granules and, in the follicular lining cells, formation of microvilli. A minor component consisting of glandular structures has been reported in medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, suggesting a potentiality for glandular differentiation of the C cells. In equivocal cases, immunohistochemical examination for calcitonin and thyroglobulin is essential for accurate diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Aged
  • Calcitonin / metabolism
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / metabolism
  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen / metabolism
  • Carcinoma / metabolism
  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Carcinoma / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Keratins / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / metabolism
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Serotonin / metabolism
  • Somatostatin / metabolism
  • Thyroglobulin / metabolism
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen
  • Serotonin
  • Somatostatin
  • Keratins
  • Calcitonin
  • Thyroglobulin
  • Phosphopyruvate Hydratase
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide