[Surgical treatment of malignant thyroid neoplasms]

The classification of thyroid tumors, based on morphological and clinical aspects, makes it possible to compare the experience of several centers. The histology of the tumor and the age of the patient are the main criteria of prognosis. A differentiated tumor may become anaplastic. The therapeutic approach, which is primarily surgical, is therefore different for differentiated, medullary and anaplastic carcinomas. In the field of differentiated tumors, there are still some differences of opinion regarding the radicality of thyroidectomy and node dissection. In planning surgery, the incidence of bilateral tumor according to histological type, the pattern of primary lymphatic drainage and the risk of parathyroid insufficiency should be taken into account. The collaboration of the pathologist is essential. The results should be appreciated after a follow-up of at least 10 years.