[Differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Anatomo-clinical characteristics]

Differentiated carcinomas of the thyroid constitute a broad group of tumours with different biological and epidemiological aspects. They are still a challenge to the pathologist: a correct definition of the histological type can give in fact important indications for prognosis, therapy and follow-up. The nosological settlement of these tumours has been questioned by recent studies which have described traits of medullary and anaplastic carcinomas. Their prognosis is good on the whole, but notwithstanding their rarity, they show various biological and histological aspects which still have to be better clarified.