Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinoma, cribriform variant (PC-CV), is found in young women and is associated with a better prognosis than conventional papillary carcinoma. The tumors are well-demarcated or encapsulated. Because cases with familial adenomatous polyposis show multiple nodules, total thyroidectomy is required. On the other hand, in sporadic cases, in which the tumors are solitary, lobectomy is recommended. Histologically, the tumor shows the cribriform pattern, no colloid, solid growth, spindle cells, morula, and peculiar nuclear clearing. Immunohistochemical analysis shows positive nuclear as well as cytoplasm staining for beta-catenin. The test for estrogen receptor (ER) expression is strongly positive. When this subtype is suspected based on cytology, I recommend immunocytochemical staining using the antibodies for beta-catenin and ER.
