Cytologic characteristics and β-catenin immunocytochemistry on smear slide of cribriform-morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristic cytologic features of the cribriform-morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (CVPTC) and to find out the possibility of a preoperative diagnosis of CVPTC in fine needle aspiration (FNA).

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of cytologic features of 5 patients who were diagnosed with CVPTC after thyroidectomy and underwent preoperative FNA was performed. In addition, β-catenin immunocytochemistry on a smear slide was applied.

RESULTS: All cases showed a high cellularity smear, cribriform architecture, ovoid/columnar cells, obvious nucleoli, and nuclear groove. Epithelial morules were observed in 4 (80%) cases. All cases demonstrated a nuclear and cytoplasmic expression in β-catenin immunocytochemistry applied to a smear slide.

CONCLUSION: Preoperative diagnosis of CVPTC can be made by cytologic features of cribriform architecture, epithelial morule, and columnar cells in FNA and β-catenin immunocytochemistry on a smear slide showing a nuclear and cytoplasm expression.