PRESENCE IN A HUMAN THYROID-CARCINOMA OF FOLLICULAR STRUCTURES SIMILAR TO ULTIMOBRANCHIAL FOLLICLES DESCRIBED IN THE MOUSE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 292  (17) , 999-1004
Abstract
An immunohistochemical and EM study demonstrated follicular differentiation in a human thyroid cancer with a characteristic architectural pattern of C cells, ciliated cells and follicular cells. Ultrastructural features were similar to those described in normal adult mouse thyroid interpreted as a 2nd type of thyroid follicle of ultimobranchial origin. The discovery of these structures within metastatic lymph nodes excludes normal thyroid follicle contamination. The presence of these neoplastic structures supports the hypothesis of a stem cell of ultimobranchial and endodermal origin common to all the cells described.