Objective To summarize the expression of CK19, HBME-land 34βE12 in papillary carcinoma of the thyroid (PCT) and their differential diagnostic value. Methods Clinical data of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid,nodular goiter and paraeareinoma were reviewed. All HE slides were reexamined and immunostains for CK19, HBME-land 34βEI2 were performed in selected case. Staining results were evaluated. Results Those cases typically showed complex papillary structures and interstitial fibrosis, while nuclear features included ground class appearance, grooves and nuclear pseudoinelusion. The positive rates for CKI9, HBME-1 and 34βE12 in PCT were 100.0 %, 89.4 % and 42.6 % respectively, the differences were statistically significant(P <0.01). Conclusion PCT occurs preferentially in the group of middle-aged women. The diagnosis of PCT should be distinguished from other plesiomorphous benign papillary lesions. Combined detection of CK19, HBME-1, 34βE12 can be most helpful for diagnosis for of PCT.