Endocrine disorders are complex lesions that require interpretation of both structure and function of the tissue. The limitations of morphological evaluation are complicated by the additional lack of hard criteria for many pathological entities, and by the often subtle alterations that can mislead the pathologist. This course will offer practical hints that will aid in the diagnosis of endocrine cytology, intraoperative consultations, as well as histology, with conventional histopathology and immunohisto-chemical tools. In addition, the course will offer a practical approach to deal with several unresolved issues, such as the distinction between endocrine hyperplasias and neoplasms, and criteria for malignancy in tissues that are notorious for their ability to camouflage malignancy.

Using a case study approach, the course will address the following 7 areas of interest: 1) the value and limitations of aspiration cytology of endocrine tissues; 2) the role of intraoperative consultations, with frozen sections and cytologic touch preparations; 3) the criteria for and significance of distinguishing endocrine hyperplasia from neoplasia; 4) definitions of capsules and capsular invasion as a criterion of malignancy in endocrine tumors; 5) the significance of mitoses, nuclear atypia, necrosis and ploidy alterations in endocrine tumors; 6) the definition and significance of oncocytic change in endocrine cells and tumors; and 7) the numerous histochemical and immunohistochemical markers of cell differentiation, function and behavior in endocrine lesions.

Case histories and a limited number of loan sets of glass slides will be available for advance mailing. All registrants will be mailed a set of transparencies after the meeting. A comprehensive syllabus will be distributed at the course.