[Early thyroid gland cancer]

Among 338 patients operated upon for "nodes" in the thyroid in 31.4% of cases there was found small cancer (up to 1 cm in diameter), determined microscopically and visually. A clinico-morphological definition of early thyroid cancer is suggested. It is emphasized that for the recognition of early thyroid cancer being successful a complex diagnostic method is essential, which comprises clinical, roentgenological, thyroidolymphographic, radioisotope, cytological and histological studies. The method concerned makes it possible to increase considerably (up to 77.4%) the rate of recognition of early thyroid cancer, while the operations, performed after the extrafascial technic, would provide for an adequate therapy in due course and a favourable prognosis.