Angiogenesis in follicular tumors of the thyroid.
BACKGROUND
Experimental evidence suggests that tumor growth beyond a certain size and tumor ability to metastasize depend on the degree to which the tumor can stimulate an angiogenic response.


METHODS
Fifteen thyroid specimens of microinvasive follicular carcinoma were examined for vascularization by immunohistochemical stain with antifactor VIII antibodies and compared with an equal number of follicular adenomas.


RESULTS
Pleomorphic areas in the histological specimens of follicular carcinomas had a higher rate of vascularization as did areas of tumor adjacent to or penetrating the capsule. These features were not noted in follicular adenomas.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that vascularity may play a role in extracapsular extension and tumor aggression in follicular thyroid carcinomas.
Department of Otolaryngology, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
K
K
Segal
T
T
Shpitzer
M
M
Feinmesser
Y
Y
Stern
R
R
Feinmesser
D018263:Adenocarcinoma, Follicular / Q000098:blood supply*; D000236:Adenoma / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply*