Differentiation of thyroid neoplasms by evaluating epithelial membrane antigen, leu-7 antigen, epidermal growth factor receptor, and DNA content

The expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), Leu-7 antigen, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr), and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) content in 40 thyroid nodules was investigated to identify those factors that might differentiate these lesions or correlate to their prognosis. There were 22 carcinomas (16 papillary, 4 follicular, 1 anaplastic, 1 medullary) and 18 benign lesions prospectively obtained between 1989 and 1993. Patients' charts were reviewed to establish a database of known clinical prognostic indicators. Expression of EMA and Leu-7 was significant in malignant lesions when compared to benign lesions (P