Expression of CK19, CD56, and Galectin-3 Tumor Markers in Different Types of Thyroid Carcinoma

ABSTRACT

Background: Thyroid disorders represent a major problem in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the northern part of the country. The objective of the current study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of CK19, CD56, and Gal-3 in a series of Saudi patients with thyroid carcinoma in Northern Saudi Arabia (Hail) region. Methodology: This is a retrospective study, investigated 50 formalin-fixed paraffin wax tissue blocks with a confirmed diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma from Northern Saudi Arabia. Immunohistochemistry demonstration was for CK19, CD56, and Gal-3 markers applying Avidin-Biotin method. Results: Out of the 50 patients, 45(90%) were females and 5(10%) were males, aged 13-70 years old with a mean age of 43 years. CK19 was positively expressed in 74% of the thyroid carcinoma. Positive CD56 expression was demonstrated in 45.7%, 58.3%, and 100% of the papillary, follicular and undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas, correspondingly. Positive Galectin-3 expression was demonstrated in 71.4%, 58.3%, and 100% of the papillary, follicular and undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas, correspondingly. Conclusion: Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common thyroid cancer in Northern Saudi Arabia. Females represent more than 90% of the cases of the thyroid carcinoma in Northern Saudi Arabia. CK19, CD56, and Gal-3 are useful for the assessment of thyroid carcinoma.