Ultrasonographic imaging of papillary thyroid carcinoma variants.

Author: Jung Hee SHIN ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. jhshin11@skku.edu
Publication Type:Review
Keywords: Ultrasonography; Thyroid cancer, papillary; Papillary thyroid carcinoma variant; Thyroid neoplasms
MeSH: Biopsy; Humans; Thyroid Gland*; Thyroid Neoplasms*; Thyroid Nodule; Ultrasonography
From: Ultrasonography 2017;36(2):103-110
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: Ultrasonography (US) is routinely used to evaluate thyroid nodules. The US features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the most common thyroid malignancy, include hypoechogenicity, spiculated/microlobulated margins, microcalcifications, and a nonparallel orientation. However, many PTC variants have been identified, some of which differ from the classic type of PTC in terms of biological behavior and clinical outcomes. This review describes the US features and clinical implications of the variants of PTC. With the introduction of active surveillance replacing immediate biopsy or surgical treatment of indolent, small PTCs, an understanding of the US characteristics of PTC variants will facilitate the individualized management of patients with PTC.