Poorly differentiated (insular) thyroid carcinoma arising in a long-standing colloid goitre: A cytological dilemma

• DOI: 10.4103/0970-9371.93237
• Publication Date: 2012-02-24T13:23:22Z
• Authors: Hema Kini; M Nirupama; AarathiR Rau; Sumit Gupta; Alfred Augustine
• Keywords: Thyroglobulin; Thyroid neoplasm; Follicular carcinoma; Neoplasm; Anaplastic carcinoma

Poorly differentiated (insular) thyroid carcinoma (PDITC) is an uncommon thyroglobulin producing neoplasm intermediate in aggressiveness between well-differentiated carcinomas of follicular cell origin and undifferentiated anaplastic carcinoma. Its cytomorphological recognition essential for planning surgery subsequent management as it known its aggressive behavior, advanced stage at presentation, local recurrences rapid dissemination. We report a case PDITC arising long-standing goiter, which presence microfollicular structures minimal necrosis resulted difficulty distinguishing from thyroid.