Revisiting the Significance of Prominent C Cells in the Thyroid

We examined the number of C cells and solid cell nests (ultimobranchial body remnants) present in 118 completion thyroidectomy specimens from patients without medullary carcinoma and with no risk factors for MEN2. Morphological review was performed on all H&E-stained slides, and immunohistochemistry for calcitonin was performed on one block from each case. Solid cell nests were found in 4 (3.3%) of thyroids. Increased numbers of C cells sufficient to fulfil criteria for C cell hyperplasia were found in 5 (4.2%) to 36 (30.5%) cases depending on the criteria used. We conclude that large numbers of C cells are commonly found in thyroids not associated with medullary carcinoma. Therefore, regardless of which criteria are used, the presence of C cell hyperplasia is not a specific marker for hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Source: Endocrine Pathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research