Solid Cell Nest
Lester D. R. Thompson, MD
Key Facts
Terminology
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Small remnant of ultimobranchial apparatus, associated with development of thyroid C-cells
Clinical Issues
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Posteromedial and lateral area of bilateral middle to upper 1/3 of thyroid lobes
Microscopic Pathology
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50 to 1,000 µm in greatest dimension
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Interfollicular distribution of well-demarcated, irregular small nests
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Small epithelial cells, ovoid to polygonal
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Nuclei are ovoid, with evenly distributed chromatin
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Frequent longitudinal nuclear groove
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No keratinization or intercellular bridges
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High density of C-cells intermingled with SCNs
Ancillary Tests
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Positive: p63, pCEA; negative: Thyroglobulin, TTF-1
There is a well-demarcated collection of epithelial cells identified in an interfollicular distribution. Follicles are entrapped  by the proliferation in a number of foci. C-cells are present  . |
In many SCNs, the epithelial cells show a compact arrangement, surrounded by a basement membrane. Cytologic atypia is absent, as are mitoses. |
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations
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Solid cell nests (SCNs)
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Ultimobranchial body (UBB) Definitions
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Small remnant of ultimobranchial apparatus, associated with development of thyroid C-cells
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Pathogenesis
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May be derived from branchial pouch remnants
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May be derived from ultimobranchial body vestiges (endoderm)
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High density of C-cells intermingled with SCNs
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