A 30-kD protein, galectin-3 belongs to the family of lectinsthat bind beta-galactosidase. Galectin-3 is related with cellproliferation, adhesion, inflammation, mRNA processing,and apoptosis. Abnormal expression of Galectin-3 has beenlinked to malignant transformation and metastasis inthyroid, colon, and breast cancers. Neutrophil nuclei,vascular endothelium, and thyroid, breast, and coloncancers all have galectin-3 reactivity. Differentiatingbetween benign and malignant thyroid neoplasms may beaided by galectin-3. Additionally, galectin-3 might behelpful in identifying specific liver conditions.