The Combined Utility of hbme-1 Galectin-3 and Brafv600e Mutations in the Diagnosis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Newer diagnostic modalities have revolutionized the pathologist ’ s approach to diagnosis of thyroid malignancies. Molecular characterization of these malignancies has helped circumvent common morphologic diagnostic difficulties by integrating their genotypic, phenotypic and immunohistochemical features. BRAFV600E mutation has been characterized as highly specific for thyroid carcinoma especially papillary thyroid carcinoma. HBME-1 and Galectin-3 are also such markers which are highly specific for papillary carcinoma of thyroid (PTC). We propose to study HBME-1 and Galectin-3 expression and BRAFV600E mutation in thyroid neoplasms and do a comparative analysis to determine whether there is a correlation between BRAFV600E expression and expression of HBME-1 and Galectin-3. As molecular analysis is time consuming and not very cost effective to the patient the utility of these markers as a surrogate marker for BRAFV600E mutation will also be considered in this study.