Increased expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C in papillary thyroid carcinoma predicts cervical lymph node metastasis

Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), a critical tumor lymphangiogenic factor involved in nodal metastases, is suspected to initiate cervical lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression pattern of VEGF-C in PTC and examine its correlation with any clinicopathologic features. Paired tissues from PTC (n=39) and benign thyroid nodules (n=20) were analyzed for VEGF-C protein expression level and localization using semi-quantitative Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, respectively. VEGF-C expression was detected in 27 of 39 PTC, but only 1 out of 20 nodular hyperplasia specimens (p