Managing Thyroid Microcarcinomas.
- Author:
Ernest L MAZZAFERRI
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: Papillary thyroid cancer; papillary thyroid micro-carcinoma; fine-needle aspiration biopsy; TNM staging systems; autopsy studies; BRAF V600E
- MeSH: Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Carcinoma, Papillary/mortality/*pathology/*surgery; Humans; *Neoplasm Staging; Thyroid Neoplasms/mortality/*pathology/*surgery
- From:Yonsei Medical Journal 2012;53(1):1-14
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs) are the most common form of classic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). PTMCs are typically discovered by fine-needle-aspiration biopsy (FNAB), usually with sensitive imaging studies, or are found during thyroid surgery in a patient without a previously known history of thyroid carcinoma. However, the definition of PTMC has not always been universally accepted, thus creating controversy concerning the diagnosis and treatment of PTMC. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical features of PTMC and identify the widely differing opinions concerning the diagnosis and management of these small ubiquitous thyroid tumors.
