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Liu WS, Duan YT, Ru GQ, Chen WY, Chen Y, Lv T, Liang JY, Zheng GW, Xu JJ. Analyzing the correlation between low proportion of hobnail features in papillary thyroid carcinoma and clinical aggressiveness risk. Endocrine 2024:10.1007/s12020-024-03854-9. [PMID: 38970759 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03854-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hobnail features may enhance the clinical aggressiveness of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, whether a low proportion (<30%) of these features contributes to increased PTC aggressiveness remains unclear. This study investigated whether PTC cases with a low proportion hobnail features (<30%) exhibit clinical invasiveness and pathological features of aggressiveness. METHODS Pathological specimens from patients with postoperatively diagnosed PTC were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 29 PTC cases with a low proportion of hobnail features (<30%) were compared with 173 consecutive classical PTC (cPTC) cases. Data regarding age at presentation, sex, tumor size, number of tumors, and histological characteristics were obtained by reviewing electronic medical records. Postoperative information was obtained during follow-up visits and telephone interviews. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients with PTC with a low proportion of hobnail features (<30%) were identified, exhibiting a median age of 34 years. At a median follow-up of 31 (IQR, 23-37) months, two patients had recurrent disease in the PTC with a low proportion of hobnail features (<30%) group, whereas there was no recurrence in the cPTC group. No distant metastasis and postoperative mortality were observed in either group. Compared with the cPTC group, patients with PTC and a low proportion of hobnail features exhibited larger tumor volumes and higher susceptibility to capsular invasion and lymph node metastasis. Tumor size and hobnail features emerged as independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION PTC with a low proportion hobnail features (<30%) and larger tumor volumes are associated with the occurrence of lymph node metastasis. A low proportion of hobnail features (<30%) in PTC may heighten invasiveness, elevating the risk of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Shun Liu
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, Liaoning, China
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan-Ting Duan
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guo-Qing Ru
- Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wan-Yuan Chen
- Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tian Lv
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ju-Yong Liang
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guo-Wan Zheng
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia-Jie Xu
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Jayaraman M, V L, Harikrishnan V, Manian S. The Heinous Hobnail: A Case Report of the Rare Hobnail Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Cureus 2024; 16:e61267. [PMID: 38947607 PMCID: PMC11212501 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The hobnail variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (HVPTC) represents a distinctive and relatively rare histological subtype of thyroid malignancies. This variant is characterized by its unique cellular morphology with a hobnail appearance, that is, cells with apically positioned nuclei. There are other characteristics like micropapillary pattern and loss of cohesiveness of cells, which are indicative of HVPTC. It can be difficult to distinguish this pattern from other thyroid neoplasms; thus, a thorough microscopical examination is required. Thyroglobulin, thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), and other thyroid markers are commonly expressed by the tumor cells. Clinically, HVPTC is similar to conventional papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in many aspects like incidence and epidemiology, but the former is associated with a worse prognosis. According to some research, the hobnail variety might behave more aggressively than conventional PTC, which highlights how crucial it is to identify and comprehend this distinct subtype. While the genetic and molecular underpinnings of HVPTC are still being elucidated, some studies have reported associations with specific genetic alterations, including BRAF, TP53, and TERT mutations. Investigating these molecular signatures may contribute to a better understanding of the variant's pathogenesis and potentially guide targeted therapeutic approaches in the future. In order to customize treatment plans, histopathology is essential in correctly diagnosing it. In this article, we present a case of PTC which presented as a solitary nodule on ultrasonogram in a 40-year-old female.
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Affiliation(s)
- MonishaRita Jayaraman
- Pathology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Lakshmipriya V
- Pathology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Volga Harikrishnan
- Pathology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Sridevi Manian
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
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Ramesh V, Tripathy SR, Sable M, Samal DK, Ayyanar P. Hobnail subtype of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid-a rare case with uncommon features. Cytopathology 2024; 35:296-300. [PMID: 37950558 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The cytological features of the hobnail variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma may be subtle. It is important to recognize this variant because it may influence the corresponding surgical treatment and follow-up due to its aggressive nature. The hobnail subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma is a rare entity with aggressive features. It presents extrathyroidal extension or lymph nodal metastasis in a high percentage of the cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaka Ramesh
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sagar Ranjan Tripathy
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Mukund Sable
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Dillip Kumar Samal
- Department of ENT, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Pavithra Ayyanar
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, India
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Vignali P, Macerola E, Poma AM, Sparavelli R, Basolo F. Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: From Cytology to Molecular Testing. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3008. [PMID: 37761374 PMCID: PMC10528553 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13183008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of thyroid nodules has become the gold standard procedure, in terms of cost and efficacy, for guiding clinicians towards appropriate patients' management. One challenge for cytopathologists is to accurately classify cytological specimens as benign or malignant based on cytomorphological features. In fact, with a frequency ranging from 10% to 30%, nodules are diagnosed as indeterminate. In recent years, the mutational landscape of thyroid tumors has been extensively described, and two molecular profiles have been identified: RAS-like (NRAS, HRAS, and KRAS mutations; EIF1AX mutations; BRAF K601E mutation; and PPARG and THADA fusions) and BRAFV600E-like (including BRAFV600E mutation and RET and BRAF fusions). The purpose of this review is to discuss the latest molecular findings in the context of indeterminate thyroid nodules, highlighting the role of molecular tests in patients' management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.V.); (A.M.P.); (R.S.)
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Pizzimenti C, Fiorentino V, Ieni A, Martini M, Tuccari G, Lentini M, Fadda G. Aggressive variants of follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinoma: an overview. Endocrine 2022; 78:1-12. [PMID: 35864338 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The incidence of thyroid carcinoma has increased globally in the past years. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent neoplasm of the thyroid gland comprehending the 90% of the thyroid carcinoma and has an indolent clinical behaviour. However, some variants of follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinoma, including variants of classic of PTC, have been identified that show a more aggressive biological behaviour. An accurate diagnosis of these entities is crucial for planning a more aggressive treatment and improving patients' prognosis of patients. The aim of this review is to present the main clinical, histological, and molecular features of aggressive variants of follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinoma, and to provide useful histological parameters for determining the most suitable therapeutic strategy for patients affected by these forms. RESULTS Variants of classic PTC such as the diffuse sclerosing variant (DSV), the tall cell variant (TCV), the columnar cell variant (CCV), the solid/trabecular variant (STV) and the hobnail variant (HV), and other variants of follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinoma, such as poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC), and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), are associated with aggressive behaviour. CONCLUSIONS The correct identification and diagnosis of aggressive variants of follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinoma is important, as they allow the clinician to adopt the most refined therapeutic strategies in order to the survival of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pizzimenti
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, 98124, Messina, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Fiorentino
- Department of Pathology, Foundation "Agostino Gemelli", University Hospital IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ieni
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adulthood and Developing Age "Gaetano Barresi", Section of Pathology, University of Messina, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adulthood and Developing Age "Gaetano Barresi", Section of Pathology, University of Messina, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tuccari
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adulthood and Developing Age "Gaetano Barresi", Section of Pathology, University of Messina, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Lentini
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adulthood and Developing Age "Gaetano Barresi", Section of Pathology, University of Messina, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Guido Fadda
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adulthood and Developing Age "Gaetano Barresi", Section of Pathology, University of Messina, 98124, Messina, Italy
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Hobnail Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112785. [PMID: 35681765 PMCID: PMC9179392 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is considered to have an excellent prognosis, some recently identified more aggressive variants show reduced overall survival rates. Hobnail PTC (HPTC) was newly recognized as one of these aggressive forms, affecting recurrence, metastasis, and overall survival rates. Herein, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies including cases or case series with patients with HPTC. Furthermore, we included our individual case series consisting of six patients. The pooled mortality rate in the cohort, consisting of 290 patients, was 3.57 (95% CI 1.67−7.65) per 100 person/years. No sex differences could be observed concerning mortality (p = 0.62), but older age and tumor size significantly affected mortality (p = 0.004 and p = 0.02, respectively). The percentage of hobnail cells did not affect mortality (p = 0.97), neither did the presence of BRAF mutations. Classical characteristics such as the presence of extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.001), distant metastases (p < 0.001), and lymph node metastases (p < 0.001) all had a significant impact on mortality. Thus, HPTC appears to correlate with worse overall survival, and all PTC cases should be carefully assessed for this variant.
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Macerola E, Poma AM, Vignali P, Proietti A, Ugolini C, Torregrossa L, Basolo A, Elisei R, Santini F, Basolo F. Predictive Biomarkers in Thyroid Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:901004. [PMID: 35600349 PMCID: PMC9120826 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.901004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In molecular pathology, predictive biomarkers identify which patients are likely to respond to targeted drugs. These therapeutic agents block specific molecules directly involved in cancer growth, dedifferentiation and progression. Until few years ago, the only targeted drugs available for advanced thyroid cancer included multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mainly targeting the MAPK pathway and the angiogenic signaling. The administration of these drugs does not necessarily require a molecular characterization of tumors to assess the presence of predictive alterations. However, the availability of new selective targeted drugs for thyroid cancer patients is changing the diagnostic strategies for the molecular characterization of these tumors. The search for targetable alterations can be performed directly on tumor tissue by using a variety of methodologies, depending also on the number and type of alterations to test (i.e. single nucleotide variation or gene rearrangement). Herein, a comprehensive review of the currently available targeted treatments for thyroid cancer, related predictive markers and testing methodologies is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Macerola
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anello Marcello Poma
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Vignali
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Agnese Proietti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Clara Ugolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liborio Torregrossa
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessio Basolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rossella Elisei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Santini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Fulvio Basolo,
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