title: Immunohistochemical expression of HBME-1, E-cadherin, and CD56 in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Distinction between benign and malignant thyroid tumors is essential for proper clinical management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of a set of 3 molecular markers in the differential diagnosis of thyroid tumors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Immunohistochemistry for HBME-1, E-cadherin (E-CAD), and CD56 was carried out in 36 follicular adenomas, 77 colloid goiters, 36 papillary thyroid carcinomas, and 14 follicular carcinomas. Sixty-eight thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) cases confirmed by subsequent surgical resection specimens were selected. Immunocytochemistry for HBME-1, E-CAD, and CD56 was performed in these cases, including 25 papillary thyroid carcinomas, 1 follicular carcinoma, 22 follicular adenomas, and 20 colloid goiters.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PTC was characterized by a decreased expression of E-CAD and CD56 contrary to the surrounding benign thyroid tissues. There was no HBME-1 expression in benign thyroid tissues, but it was high in papillary thyroid carcinomas and weak in follicular adenomas. The expression of E-CAD and CD56 was significantly higher in follicular adenomas than in the surrounding thyroid tissues. Analyzing the FNA material, HBME-1 expression was documented in 96% of papillary thyroid carcinomas, but there was no expression in the benign lesions. E-CAD and CD56 expression was significantly weakened in papillary thyroid carcinomas, but enhanced in follicular adenomas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HBME-1 was found only in malignant lesions and can be considered the most sensitive, specific single marker in papillary thyroid carcinomas. CD56 and E-CAD can assist in the decision-making on the benign and malignant nature of the nodule. Immunocytochemistry is of value as an ancillary test to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid FNA samples.
authors: Department of Surgery, Pauls Stradins University Hospital, Pilsonu 13, 1004, Riga, Latvia. arturs.ozolins@me.com
authors: Arturs
authors: A
authors: Ozolins
authors: Zenons
authors: Z
authors: Narbuts
authors: Ilze
authors: I
authors: Strumfa
authors: Guna
authors: G
authors: Volanska
authors: Kaspars
authors: K
authors: Stepanovs
authors: Janis
authors: J
authors: Gardovskis
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D019002:CD56 Antigen / Q000378:metabolism*; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019002:CD56 Antigen; D015820:Cadherins; C432845:HBME-1 antigen; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; C522918:NCAM1 protein, human