[Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid microcarcinoma]

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is defined as a papillary thyroid carcinoma measuring less than 10 mm in diameter. With the development of ultrasonic technology and the popularization of physical examination, the incidence of PTMC increased dramatically. Routine preoperative diagnostic methods include clinical examination, thyroid ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy. But its treatment methods are still controversal. In this paper, we review literatures in recent years and discuss the clinical common problems of PTMC.