Changes in the expression pattern of apoptotic molecules (galectin-3, Bcl-2, Bax, survivin) during progression of thyroid malignancy and their clinical significance.

Background Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid (PTC) is generally a slow growing tumor with favorable prognosis, while anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is highly aggressive malignancy. Genetic defects in apoptotic pathways may contribute to differences in their biological behavior.