Diagnostic value of HBME-1, COX-2 and CK19 in the differential diagnosis of thyroid lesions

Abstract EN

The distinction between benign and malignant thyroid tumors is critical for the management of patients with thyroid nodules.

We applied immunohistochemical stainigfor HBME-1, COX-2 and CKl 9 to determine their diagnostic accuracy in diagnosis of thyroid lesions.

The expression of all antibodies was significantly associated with thyroid carcinoma.

The sensitivity was 77.8% with HBME-1, 100% with COX-2 and 100% with CK19 for papillary carcinoma: 80% with HBME-1, 60% with COX-2 and 100% with CK19 for follicular variants of papillary carcinoma; 60% with HBME-1, 100% with COX-2 and 30% with CK19 for follicular carcinoma The specificity of these antibodies was 100% for thyroid carcinoma included in this study.

Comparing papillary carcinoma with papillary hyperplasia, the three antibodies were significantly expressed in papillary carcinoma.

Comparing follicular variants of papillary carcinoma with follicular carcinoma, the expression of CKl 9 was significantly higher in follicular variants of papillary carcinoma, while COX-2 was higher in follicular carcinoma.

Comparing follicular carcinoma with follicular adenoma, the expression of COX-2 and HBME-1 was significantly higher in follicular carcinoma.

We suggest that: (1) COX-2 and HBME-1 positivity may indicate malignancy in thyroid lesions.

(2) Diffuse CKl 9 positivity can aid in the differential diagnosis of classic papillary carcinomas and follicular variants of papillary carcinomas vs.

follicular carcinoma and other benign thyroid lesions mimickers.

(3) COX-2 expression may serve as a useful molecular marker for cases of follicular carcinoma with diagnostic difficulty