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Background: Thyroid papillary carcinomas are diagnosed histopathologically. Histomorphologic features of some benign lesions may imitate papillary carcinomas, which is why sometimes immunohistochemical markers are needed to help to diagnose papillary carcinomas. In our study, we aimed at investigating the CD117 immunoreactivity in papillary carcinomas and normal thyroid tissues. Methods: In the present study, 57 cases diagnosed as papillary thyroid carcinoma between 2002-2009 in Department of Pathology were examined. Results: On the immunohistochemical examination with CD117, positive immune reaction was found in thirty nine of the tumor tissues and ten of normal thyroid tissues. In the papillary carcinoma cases, a statistically significant correlation was established between the classical type and the follicular variant and normal thyroid tissue in terms of CD117 immunoreactivity (P<0,001). Both the classical type and the follicular variant of the papillary carcinoma were more positively stained compared to normal thyroid tissue. No statistically significant correlation was found between the classical type and the follicular variant of papillary carcinomas in terms of CD117 immunoreactivity(p>0,05). Conclusions: In conclusion, CD117 is found to stain the papillary carcinoma in a higher percentage compared to normal thyroid tissue. As for the classical type and the follicular variant of the papillary carcinoma, no statistically significant correlation was established between the two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]