Cytological features of warthin-like papillary thyroid carcinoma: A case report with review of previous cytology cases

Diagn Cytopathol. 2017 Sep;45(9):837-841. doi: 10.1002/dc.23739. Epub 2017 Apr 27.

Abstract

Warthin-like papillary thyroid carcinoma (WLPTC) is a rare morphological variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma which mimics various benign and malignant lesions on thyroid aspiration cytology. As correct cytological diagnosis is the cornerstone for appropriate patient management, awareness of the salient cytomorphological characteristics of this tumor is essential. Here, we present cytological features of a case of WLPTC along with discussion of the common differential diagnoses and a brief review of the literature to ascertain the most consistent cytological findings of WLPTC. The present case also harboured BRAFV600E mutation which is the commonest molecular alteration seen in WLPTC.

Keywords: Cytology; papillary carcinoma thyroid; warthin-like papillary carcinoma of thyroid.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenolymphoma / genetics
  • Adenolymphoma / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics
  • Thyroid Cancer, Papillary
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / genetics
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf