Intensity and Grading of Galectin-3 Expression as a Sole Marker to Differentiate Benign and Malignant Thyroid Neoplasms

Abstract

Introduction: Errors in categorization of thyroid neoplasms as benign or malignant has management implications. In several studies Galectin-3 was one of the most reliable markers for malignancy in thyroid. Aim: To evaluate utility of Galectin-3 as a sole marker in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid neoplasm. Materials and Methods: Forty one thyroidectomy cases were studied, which included 12 benign and 29 malignant thyroid neoplasms. Galectin-3 (CELL MARQUE Galectin-3 mouse monoclonal antibody, CMC25521020) expression was assessed. Grading based on intensity and extent (diffuse/focal) of Galectin-3 expression was also noted. Results: The expression of Galectin-3 was significantly higher (p10% of cells positive) (p>0.08) and diffuse positivity (>50% of cells positive) (p>0. 0.167) were taken into consideration. However, with grade 3 intensity of Galectin- 3 staining in various follicular neoplasms there was a significant difference in Galectin-3 expression (p<0.002) Conclusion: Galectin-3 is useful in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid neoplasm (p<0.05). It can be used as sole marker for differentiating Papillary thyroid carcinoma and benign thyroid neoplasms. Grade 3 intensity of Galectin-3 positivity could prove to be a useful marker in differentiating follicular patterned lesions.

Keywords

• follicular patterned lesions
• malignancy
• papillary thyroid carcinoma