To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of galectin-3 and ck-19 in thyroid neoplasms

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present investigation to study the immunohistochemical expression of Galectin-3 and CK- 19 marker in relation to histological types of epithelial thyroid neoplasms. Methodolgy: Present study is a prospective study carried over a period of 24 months (September 2017 to August 2019) in the Upgraded Department Of Pathology, Osmania General Hospital, Afzalgunj, Hyderabad. A total of 100 cases were studied. The age range was 19-80 years with mean age being 46.26 years. Female preponderance was noted with a male: female= 1:1.7. Majority of cases were seen in 4th and 5th decades. Routine H&E along with immunostaining with Gal-3 and CK-19 was performed. Results: Out of 100 cases- 36 were benign, 8 were encapsulated lesions and 56 were malignant lesions. Positive staining with Gal-3 was noted in 27% of benign lesions, 62.5% of encapsulated lesions and 85.71% of malignant lesions with 85%sensitivity and 72.7% specificity in discriminating malignant from benign lesions. Positive staining with CK-19 was noted in 22.2% of benign lesions, 75% of encapsulated and 75% of malignant lesions with 75% sensitivity and 77% specificity in differentiating malignant and benign lesions. Combined expression of Gal-3 and CK-19 showed an increase in sensitivity to 90% and specificity to 82.14%. Although focal CK19 and galectin-3 staining may be found in benign lesions, diffuse positivity is characteristic of malignancy. Expression of Gal-3 and CK-19 showed a statistically significant correlation with many studies. Conclusion: We concluded that combined use of CK-19 and Gal-3 increases the sensitivity and specificity in differentiating malignant and benign lesions. Further studies are required to establish the role of CK-19 and Gal-3 in encapsulated thyroid lesions as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in thyroid neoplasms.