A Study of BRAF V600E Gene Mutation Among Patients With Follicular Cell–Derived Thyroid Malignant Neoplasms

Abstract

Background: Thyroid carcinoma is the most common endocrine malignancy, with most cases arising from follicular epithelial cells. BRAF V600E mutation has important diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic relevance, particularly in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Aim: To evaluate BRAF V600E expression in follicular cell–derived thyroid malignant neoplasms using immunohistochemistry and correlate it with clinicopathological parameters.

Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study included 40 patients with follicular cell-derived thyroid malignant neoplasms. Thyroidectomy specimens were evaluated histopathologically and BRAF V600E immunohistochemistry was performed. BRAF expression was assessed using the H-score method, with a score of ≥100 considered positive.

Results: Most patients belonged to the 31–50 years age group, with a mean age of 42.98 ± 12.81 years. Female predominance was noted. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common tumor type. BRAF positivity was observed in 14 cases (35.0%), while 26 cases (65.0%) were negative. BRAF positivity was significantly associated with tumor type (p < 0.001) and background lymphocytic thyroiditis (p = 0.014). Higher BRAF expression was also significantly associated with lymphocytic thyroiditis (p = 0.049).

Conclusion: BRAF V600E expression was observed in 35.0% of cases and was predominantly associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Its absence in NIFTP supports its diagnostic utility in differentiating papillary thyroid carcinoma from low-risk follicular-patterned lesions.