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Baloch ZW, Asa SL, Barletta JA, Ghossein RA, Juhlin CC, Jung CK, LiVolsi VA, Papotti MG, Sobrinho-Simões M, Tallini G, Mete O. Overview of the 2022 WHO Classification of Thyroid Neoplasms. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:27-63. [PMID: 35288841 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-022-09707-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 170.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes the changes in the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors that relate to the thyroid gland. The new classification has divided thyroid tumors into several new categories that allow for a clearer understanding of the cell of origin, pathologic features (cytopathology and histopathology), molecular classification, and biological behavior. Follicular cell-derived tumors constitute the majority of thyroid neoplasms. In this new classification, they are divided into benign, low-risk, and malignant neoplasms. Benign tumors include not only follicular adenoma but also variants of adenoma that are of diagnostic and clinical significance, including the ones with papillary architecture, which are often hyperfunctional and oncocytic adenomas. For the first time, there is a detailed account of the multifocal hyperplastic/neoplastic lesions that commonly occur in the clinical setting of multinodular goiter; the term thyroid follicular nodular disease (FND) achieved consensus as the best to describe this enigmatic entity. Low-risk follicular cell-derived neoplasms include non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), thyroid tumors of uncertain malignant potential, and hyalinizing trabecular tumor. Malignant follicular cell-derived neoplasms are stratified based on molecular profiles and aggressiveness. Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), with many morphological subtypes, represent the BRAF-like malignancies, whereas invasive encapsulated follicular variant PTC and follicular thyroid carcinoma represent the RAS-like malignancies. This new classification requires detailed subtyping of papillary microcarcinomas similar to their counterparts that exceed 1.0 cm and recommends not designating them as a subtype of PTC. The criteria of the tall cell subtype of PTC have been revisited. Cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma is no longer classified as a subtype of PTC. The term "Hürthle cell" is discouraged, since it is a misnomer. Oncocytic carcinoma is discussed as a distinct entity with the clear recognition that it refers to oncocytic follicular cell-derived neoplasms (composed of > 75% oncocytic cells) that lack characteristic nuclear features of PTC (those would be oncocytic PTCs) and high-grade features (necrosis and ≥ 5 mitoses per 2 mm2). High-grade follicular cell-derived malignancies now include both the traditional poorly differentiated carcinoma as well as high-grade differentiated thyroid carcinomas, since both are characterized by increased mitotic activity and tumor necrosis without anaplastic histology and clinically behave in a similar manner. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma remains the most undifferentiated form; squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid is now considered as a subtype of anaplastic carcinoma. Medullary thyroid carcinomas derived from thyroid C cells retain their distinct section, and there is a separate section for mixed tumors composed of both C cells and any follicular cell-derived malignancy. A grading system for medullary thyroid carcinomas is also introduced based on mitotic count, tumor necrosis, and Ki67 labeling index. A number of unusual neoplasms that occur in the thyroid have been placed into new sections based on their cytogenesis. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma and secretory carcinoma of the salivary gland type are now included in one section classified as "salivary gland-type carcinomas of the thyroid." Thymomas, thymic carcinomas and spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like elements are classified as "thymic tumors within the thyroid." There remain several tumors whose cell lineage is unclear, and they are listed as such; these include sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia and cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma. Another important addition is thyroblastoma, an unusual embryonal tumor associated with DICER1 mutations. As in all the WHO books in the 5th edition, mesenchymal and stromal tumors, hematolymphoid neoplasms, germ cell tumors, and metastatic malignancies are discussed separately. The current classification also emphasizes the value of biomarkers that may aid diagnosis and provide prognostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubair W Baloch
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Sylvia L Asa
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ronald A Ghossein
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chan Kwon Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Virginia A LiVolsi
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, IPATIMUP, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Giovanni Tallini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ozgur Mete
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Nambirajan A, Singh V, Irugu DVK, Agarwal S, Jain D. Spindle epithelial tumour with thymus-like elements presenting with lymph node metastasis: An illustrative case report with review of literature. Cytopathology 2019; 30:657-661. [PMID: 31209931 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Nambirajan
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Varsha Singh
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Shipra Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepali Jain
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Zhang Y, Tang H, Hu H, Yong X. A Rare Primary Tumor of the Thyroid Gland: A New Case of Leiomyoma and Literature Review. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-ONCOLOGY 2018; 12:1179554918813535. [PMID: 30505153 PMCID: PMC6256313 DOI: 10.1177/1179554918813535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Primary leiomyomas of the thyroid are very rare. We here report a case of a
53-year-old woman with a painless mass at the right thyroid, revealed by
physical examination. The patient underwent a lobectomy. Frozen sections showed
a spindle cell tumor of the thyroid gland. The nuclei of some of the tumor cells
were obviously enlarged and deeply stained. Pseudocapsule invasion was observed
in small foci. Samples showed neither mitosis nor necrosis and the nature of the
tumor was difficult to determine. Paraffin sections showed a well-circumscribed
nodular composed of intersecting fascicles of spindled to slightly epithelioid
cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and blunt-ended, cigar-shaped nuclei. We
observed no significant nuclear atypia, mitotsis, or necrosis.
Immunohistochemical staining showed the tumor cells to be positive for α-smooth
muscle actin and h-caldesmon but negative for TG, TTF1, PAX8, S-100, CT, CK, and
CD34. The ki-67 index was very low (<1%). Primary thyroid leiomyoma is rare
and difficult to diagnose using frozen sections. Diagnosis requires
immunohistochemical staining. Leiomyoma may be mistaken for other thyroid tumors
also characterized by spindle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Wanbei Coal-Electricity Group General Hospital, Suzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Wanbei Coal-Electricity Group General Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Heng Tang
- Department of Pathology, Wanbei Coal-Electricity Group General Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Huaiyuan Hu
- Department of Pathology, Wanbei Coal-Electricity Group General Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiang Yong
- Department of Pathology, Wanbei Coal-Electricity Group General Hospital, Suzhou, China
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Lee S, Kim YS, Lee JH, Hwang SH, Oh YH, Ko BK, Ham SY. Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation of the thyroid in a 70-year-old man. Ann Surg Treat Res 2018; 94:337-341. [PMID: 29854712 PMCID: PMC5976575 DOI: 10.4174/astr.2018.94.6.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) is a very rare tumor of the thyroid gland mostly occurring in young patients. The imaging findings of SETTLE tumors are yet to be defined. However, they are usually described as well-defined heterogeneously enhanced masses on CT scan. The current case has the potential growth as compared with a 2009 chest radiography. We took into account the possibility of SETTLE in the case of a bulky mass in patients over 70 years old, particularly in the lower neck. Herein, we report a case of the oldest patient so far. The patient underwent a right lobectomy of the thyroid and mass excision. Follow-up CT scans after 6 months revealed no local recurrence. Surgery is the gold standard treatment for SETTLE. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy could be another possible option for patients with advanced stage SETTLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunhye Lee
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yon Seon Kim
- Department of Surgery, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Jeong Hyeon Lee
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Ho Hwang
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yu-Hwan Oh
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Kyun Ko
- Department of Surgery, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Soo-Youn Ham
- Department of Radiology, Kangbuk Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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Baste Subia MN, Digoy P, Hum M, Yu Z, Conrad R. Cytologic findings of spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like elements. Laryngoscope 2017; 128:E78-E82. [DOI: 10.1002/lary.27020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria N. Baste Subia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City Oklahoma U.S.A
| | - Paul Digoy
- Department of Surgery; Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences; Oklahoma City Oklahoma U.S.A
| | - Martina Hum
- Department of Pediatric Oncology; St. Francis Hospital; Tulsa Oklahoma U.S.A
| | - Zhongxin Yu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City Oklahoma U.S.A
| | - Rachel Conrad
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City Oklahoma U.S.A
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Ippolito S, Bellevicine C, Arpaia D, Peirce C, Ciancia G, Vigliar E, Troncone G, Biondi B. Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE): clinical-pathological features, differential pathological diagnosis and therapy. Endocrine 2016; 51:402-12. [PMID: 26289127 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0716-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) is a very rare tumor of the thyroid gland. An algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of SETTLE has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to identify all case reports of SETTLE and to compare the clinical-pathological features and therapy of the cases identified. We performed a PubMed search for case reports of SETTLE in English published up to November 2014 in which "SETTLE" and "Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation" were keywords. We identified 35 articles for a total of 42 cases. We found that SETTLE usually occurs in children and adolescents as an asymptomatic neck mass. Thyroid function tests and tumor markers are invariably within normal range in all patients, and fine needle aspiration biopsy is rarely diagnostic for SETTLE. All 42 patients had undergone thyroidectomy. After surgical resection, chemotherapy (adjuvant or first/second-line treatment) and/or radiotherapy were administered to control tumor growth in cases with metastatic involvement. Although SETTLE presents a low-grade malignancy, it can metastasize to lymph nodes, the mediastinum, lung, vertebrae, and kidney even many years after the initial diagnosis. SETTLE may have a good prognosis if appropriately treated at initial presentation and if patients undergo long-term monitoring with regular clinical and morphological evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Ippolito
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellevicine
- Pathology Division, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Debora Arpaia
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Peirce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ciancia
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Vigliar
- Pathology Division, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Pathology Division, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bernadette Biondi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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7
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Recondo G, Busaidy N, Erasmus J, Williams MD, Johnson FM. Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation: A case report and comprehensive review of the literature and treatment options. Head Neck 2014; 37:746-54. [DOI: 10.1002/hed.23634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Recondo
- Department of Internal Medicine; Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas Norberto Quirno; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Naifa Busaidy
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston Texas
| | - Jeremy Erasmus
- Department of Radiology; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston Texas
| | - Michelle D. Williams
- Department of Pathology; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston Texas
| | - Faye M. Johnson
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston Texas
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston; Houston Texas
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Abstract
Primary leiomyosarcoma of the thyroid gland is uncommon. To date, 20 cases have been reported in English in the literature. The tumors usually present in elderly patients with female predilection and are associated with poor clinical outcome. Herein, we report an additional case of primary thyroid leiomyosarcoma in a 64-year-old woman. She underwent total thyroidectomy and later was discovered to have multiple lung and liver metastases. The patient died 3 months after surgery. The major differential diagnoses including undifferentiated (anaplastic) carcinoma of the thyroid, spindle cell variant of medullary thyroid carcinoma, spindle cell tumor with thymus-like differentiation, uncommon primary tumor of the thyroid and metastatic tumors with predominant spindle cells are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jantima Tanboon
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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Llamas-Gutierrez FJ, Falcon-Escobedo R, De Anda-Gonzalez J, Angeles-Angeles A. Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation of the thyroid (SETTLE):. Ann Diagn Pathol 2013; 17:217-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2011.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Magnata Filho LA, Bordallo MAN, Pessoa CHCN, Corbo R, Bulzico DA, Dias FL, Machado AL, Soares AB, Ferman S. Thyroid spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE): case report and review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 54:657-62. [PMID: 21085772 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27302010000700011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Accepted: 08/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like element (SETTLE) is a rare malignant neoplasm of the thyroid, occurring predominantly in children, adolescents, and young adults. SETTLE usually presents itself as a thyroid mass, without metastases at diagnosis. It is believed to derive from branchial pouch or thymic remnant tissue showing primitive thymic differentiation. This article reports the clinical, cytological, histological and immunohistochemical features of a SETTLE in a 3-year-old girl. Microscopic exam revealed a nodular, highly cellular neoplasm displayed in the classic biphasic pattern, with mixture of prominent spindle cell component and a minor glandular component lined by mucinous or respiratory-type epithelium. The immunohistochemical study showed strong and diffuse positivity for pan-CK, vimentin and smooth muscle actin. The present case is the first SETTLE case reported in Brazil. To date, the patient described remains without evidence of recurrence or metastasis 5 years after surgery.
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11
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Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation: a morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic study of 11 cases. Am J Surg Pathol 2009; 33:1179-86. [PMID: 19417583 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0b013e31819e61c8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) is an extremely rare tumor of the thyroid and neck, first described by Chan and Rosai. SETTLE is a low-grade malignancy, with potential for late lung, lymph node, and other visceral metastases. The clinicopathologic features of SETTLE overlap significantly with those of synovial sarcoma. Thirteen cases previously diagnosed as "SETTLE" (11 cases) or "malignant neoplasm-SETTLE versus synovial sarcoma" (2 cases), were retrieved. Immunohistochemistry for low-molecular-weight cytokeratins, high-molecular-weight cytokeratins, cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 20, epithelial membrane antigen, bcl-2, CD34, CD99, CD117, INI-1, and TLE1 were performed. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the SS18/SSX1 and SS18/SSX2 fusion genes and fluorescent in-situ hybridization for SYT rearrangement was performed. The 11 cases diagnosed, as "SETTLE" were negative for synovial sarcoma-associated fusion genes, whereas the other 2 cases were positive. SETTLE occurred in 7 females and 4 males (7 to 50 y of age, median 13.5 y) and involved the thyroid gland in 10 cases. Clinical follow-up showed 3 patients to be disease-free 7, 10, and 15 years after surgery. One patient had a lymph node metastasis at diagnosis and lung metastases 14 months after diagnosis. SETTLE infiltrated the thyroid, and consisted of a vaguely nodular admixture of fascicular, reticular, hyalinized, and microcystic areas. Spindled zones blended imperceptibly into areas showing epithelial differentiation, in the form of glomeruloid glandular structures, sertoli-like tubules, and small glands, lined by cuboidal to columnar cells. Mitotic activity was very low, necrosis was absent, and pleomorphism was not present. By immunohistochemistry, SETTLE showed extensive expression of high-molecular-weight cytokeratins in 7 of 8 cases (88%). Expression of low-molecular-weight cytokeratins and epithelial membrane antigen was limited, confined to only scattered cells in 7 of 8 (88%), and 4 of 8 (50%) of cases, respectively. Cytokeratin 7 expression was more widespread (7 of 8 cases, 88%). Cytokeratin 20 was negative. Expression of CD99 and bcl-2 was seen in 6 of 8 (75%) and 7 of 8 (88%) cases, respectively. CD117, INI-1, and TLE1 expression was seen in 6 of 8 (75%), 8 of 8 (100%), and 1 of 5 (20%) of cases, respectively. We conclude that traditional morphologic study and a limited panel of ancillary immunostains are sufficient for the distinction of SETTLE from synovial sarcoma in almost all instances. Molecular genetic study may, however, be helpful in selected cases, particularly in limited biopsies.
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Abstract
Thyroid neoplasms are classified into three major categories: epithelial, nonepithelial, and secondary. Most primary epithelial tumors of thyroid are derived from follicular cells. These include follicular adenoma and carcinoma (Hürthle and non-Hürthle), and papillary carcinoma and its variants. Other primary epithelial tumors include medullary carcinoma, mixed medullary and follicular carcinomas, insular and poorly differentiated carcinoma, anaplastic carcinoma, and the least common squamous carcinoma and related tumors. The nonepithelial tumors are rare; the most common include malignant lymphoma and tumors arising from the mesenchymal elements. The secondary tumors represent metastatic tumors to the thyroid usually originating in lung, kidney, and breast. In this article, the authors review the unusual tumors of the thyroid, their morphologic features, and clinical and prognostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubair W Baloch
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, 3400 Spruce Street, 6 Founders Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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13
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Abstract
Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) is a rare tumor seen mostly in children and adolescents. It is presumed that it arises from ectopic thymus or remnants of branchial pouches that differentiate along the thymic line. Unusual spindle cell-predominant histology makes this entity difficult to recognize. The clinical course is not exactly known due to the small number of reported cases but metastasis has been documented during initial presentation. We report a case of SETTLE in the neck where preoperative clinical and radiological impression was that of a mass in the left submandibular gland area. However, during the operation it was felt by the surgeon that the mass was in continuity with the left thyroid lobe.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nihan Haberal
- Department of Pathology, Başkent University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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Tong GX, Hamele-Bena D, Wei XJ, O'Toole K. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of monophasic variant of spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation of the thyroid: report of one case and review of the literature. Diagn Cytopathol 2007; 35:113-9. [PMID: 17230570 DOI: 10.1002/dc.20579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) is a rare biphasic tumor of the thyroid with approximately 20 well-documented cases reported in the English literature. Although a monophasic variant of SETTLE is conceivable, the majority of the reported cases were truly biphasic tumors. A minimal amount of epithelial component was present in the reported cases of so-called spindle-cell predominant SETTLE. Here, we report an apparently monophasic case of SETTLE in a 16-yr-old girl, in which no epithelial cells were identified in either fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) or the subsequent hemithyroidectomy specimen. The FNAB smears were moderately cellular and composed of single and loosely grouped spindle cells with homogenous metachromatic material, which could be mistaken as amyloid, erroneously suggesting medullary thyroid carcinoma. The compact nodules of uniform spindle cells in histology sections raised the possibility of monophasic synovial sarcoma. The spindle cells stained positive for both cytokeratin and vimentin, but were negative for thyroglobulin and calcitonin as well as neuroendocrine markers, confirming the diagnosis of SETTLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Xia Tong
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
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Satoh S, Toda S, Narikawa K, Watanabe K, Tsuda K, Kuratomi Y, Sugihara H, Inokuchi A. Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE): Youngest reported patient. Pathol Int 2006; 56:563-7. [PMID: 16930339 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1827.2006.02007.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) is a very rare thyroid tumor. It is one of a family of tumors arising either from ectopic thymus or remnants of branchial pouches that retain the potential to differentiate along the thymic line. Herein is reported a case of SETTLE in a 2-year-old girl. The patient underwent right thyroid lobectomy for a tumor of the right thyroid lobe. The resected specimen of this tumor revealed a whitish and solid mass. On microscopy, the tumor exhibited an area of spindle cells, glandular epithelium, and mucinous cystic lesions. The following findings were obtained on immunohistochemistry: the spindle cell area was diffusely positive for cytokeratin AE1/3 and vimentin, and partially positive for alpha-smooth muscle-specific actin. The glandular structures consisted of columnar cells and the cystic area was also positive for cytokeratin AE1/3. All three components of the tumor were negative for thyroglobulin, thyroid transcription factor-1, S-100 protein, carcinoembryonic antigen, somatostatin, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A. On the basis of the aforementioned findings, SETTLE was diagnosed. The patient remains disease free to date, 2 years after surgery with no additional treatment. To the best of the authors' knowledge the present SETTLE patient is the youngest yet reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Satoh
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga City, Nabeshima, Japan.
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