Thyroid: Papillary carcinoma

1.    Why is this section abnormal?  Describe the abnormal histological features.

Nuclei of papillary carcinoma cells contain finely dispersed chromatin, which imparts an optically clear or empty appearance, giving the designation ground glass nuclei

Eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions or grooves representing invaginations of cytoplasm are present. (coffee bean appearance)

Concentrically calcified structures termed psammomma bodies are often present (pathognomonic!!)

Tumour forms complex papillary structures.

2.    T/F.  The histological hallmark of this disease is:

      Inflammation F

      Hyperplasia F

      Neoplasia T

      None of the above F

In this disease,

      Prognosis is very poor F

      There is clear female predominance T

      Frequently multicentric T

      Most common category of thyroid cancer T

      Cervical lymph node metastases are often common presenting complaints T

      High risk of developing lymphoma F

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Copyright � Joseph Ong 2003