J Vet Sci.  2014 Sep;15(3):449-453. 10.4142/jvs.2014.15.3.449.

Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings of primary and metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma in a young dog

• Pineyro P
• Vieson MD
• Ramos-Vara JA
• Moon-Larson M
• Saunders G

• KMID: 2155631
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2014.15.3.449

Abstract

This report describes the gross, histological, and immunohistochemical features of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with pulmonary metastases in a young dog. Sheets of pleomorphic cells supported by fibrous stroma characterized the primary mass, while metastatic nodules had a neuroendocrine pattern. Despite differing histologic features, all masses showed marked immunoreactivity against calcitonin and multiple neuroendocrine markers consistent with MTC. Although MTC is a well-recognized entity, it may be difficult to distinguish this mass from other thyroid neoplasms, necessitating immunohistochemical characterization.

Keyword

calcitonin; histopathology; immunohistochemistry; medullary thyroid carcinoma

MeSH Terms

Animals
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/pathology/radiography/*veterinary
Dog Diseases/*pathology/radiography
Dogs
Female
Laryngeal Neoplasms/secondary/veterinary
Lung Neoplasms/secondary/veterinary
Neoplasm Metastasis
Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology/radiography/*veterinary

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Radiographic images of a large tissue-dense cervical mass on the laryngeal region. The dorso-ventral image (A) showed a faint circular irregular opacity that extends from C1 to the inter-mandibular region. In the latero-lateral image (B), the osseous mass overlaps the larynx and extends caudal to the second tracheal ring.

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) Neoplastic mass protruding from the left peri- laryngeal region compressing the laryngeal inlet. (B) The mass was ossified, firmly adhered to the larynx and entrapped the left hyoid bone. There were large necrotic centers on the cut section. (C) Multiple, variable sized, firm nodules were scattered throughout the lungs.

• 

  Fig. 3 (A) The cervical mass was composed of large sheets of densely cellular masses supported by abundant fibrous tissues that were disrupted by areas of necrosis and numerous small osseous spicules and areas or mineralization. (B) Cells were pleomorphic, varying form polyhedral to plump elongated, and pallisaded around a small area of the fibrovascular stroma. (C) Sections of lung showed well-demarcated non-encapsulated, densely cellular masses. (D) Neoplastic masses were composed of nests and islands of polyhedral cells supported by thin vascular stroma. Scale bars = 200 µm (A and C), 100 µm (B and D).

• 

  Fig. 4 Immunohistochemical panel showing the intensity and percentage of positive cells in the primary mass for (A) chromogranin A, (B) neuron-specific enolase (NSE), (C) vimentin and (D) calcitonin. Scale bars = 50 µm.

• 

  Fig. 5 Immunohistochemical panel showing the intensity and percentage of positive cells in the pulmonary metastatic nodules for (A) chromogranin A, (B) neuron-specific enolase (NSE), (C) vimentin and (D) calcitonin. Scale bars = 50 µm.

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