Scalloped colloid of the thyroid follicle

[ninjasurgeron]

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Is a scalloped colloid (moth-eaten edges) characteristic of Graves' disease or is it seen histologically in all forms of hyperthyroidism regardless of etiology?

 

[thehundredthone]

It can be seen in any active thyroid gland, indicating removal of active colloid from the gland. It is diffuse in Grave's disease and restricted to hyperfunctional areas in MND.

Textbook source (Wheater's Functional Histology):
"Compare this photomicrograph of an active thyroid follicle with the inactive follicle in Fig. 17.7. The epithelial cells are taller, with more cytoplasm and larger, pale-staining, nuclei, reflecting their increased activity. In this follicle they are extracting stored thyroid colloid Co from the lumen and converting it into active thyroid hormones. The scalloped pale edge of the colloid indicates where the colloid has been removed from the follicle lumen."

Not a textbook source but:
http://155.37.5.42/eAtlas/Endo/794.htm

 

[ninjasurgeron]

Thanks! I just finished going through Robbin's and figure showing the scalloped colloid was in the section of Graves' so I wasn't sure. To add to the thread in case someone searches for the same thing:

1. MNG would grossly have prominent fibrosis producing an asymmetrical bumpy goiter while Graves' would produce a more "beefy" thyroid.
2. MNG would still have flat follicular cells while Graves' would have columnar cells (with nuclei in a single row) lining the follicle.

Thanks again, thehundredthone! 🙂

 

[thehundredthone]

I had the same impression while reading Robbin's. Still, I daresay if they showed you scalloped colloid on the exam it would be in numerous/all follicles indicating Graves' disease.