Application of Immunohistochemistry to Thyroid Neoplasms

Context: Thyroid lesions with nodular architecture and follicular pattern of growth often pose difficulties in accurate diagnosis during the assessment of cytologic and histologic specimens. The diagnosis of follicular neoplasm on cytology or of follicular tumor of uncertain malignant potential on histology is likely to cause confusion among clinicians and delay effective management of these lesions. Occasionally, thyroid tumors represent unusual or metastatic lesions and their accurate diagnosis requires immunohistochemical confirmation.

Objective: To review the literature on the applications of immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of thyroid tumors.

Data Sources: Relevant articles indexed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine) between 1976 and 2006.

Conclusions: Our review supports the use of ancillary techniques involving a panel of antibodies suitable for immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis in the assessment of thyroid nodules. These tools can improve diagnostic accuracy when combined with standard morphologic criteria.