[Differentiated tumors of the thyroid. Correlations between radicality of the exeresis, recurrence and survival]

An analysis is made of the results obtained in 50 papilliferous and 39 follicular thyroid tumours operated between 1949 and 1969, and forming part of a series of 150 thyroid cancer cases. If not radically managed, papilliferous tumours recur in the neck lymph nodes, though successful reoperation and survival for many years are possible. Follicular forms however, recur in the gland itself in 50% of cases, and prove fatal in one case out of three, even if reoperated. If the first operation is radical, the results are excellent when the tumour is contained in the thyroid, and will be good even when there are already metastases in the neck nodes. Recurrences in this site can be successfully reoperated and a cure obtained. Results will be poor, however, when invasion of the neck itself has begun.