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[Papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid. 179 cases reported since 1973]
J Tourniaire1, M H Bernard, M H Bizollon-Roblin
1Clinique Endocrinologique, Hôpital de l'Antiquaille, Lyon.
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|November 3, 1998
Summary
Occult papillary thyroid carcinoma, defined as tumors ≤1 cm, has an excellent prognosis. Aggressive surgery like total thyroidectomy is not routinely needed, with careful selection for extensive procedures improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Context:
- Occult papillary thyroid carcinoma (OPTC) diagnosis and management remain debated.
- A significant number of OPTC cases are incidentally discovered during surgery for other thyroid conditions.
- Long-term outcomes and optimal surgical strategies for OPTC require further elucidation.
Purpose:
- To present the long-term experience with 179 cases of occult papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- To evaluate the prognosis and recurrence rates associated with OPTC.
- To determine the necessity of aggressive surgical interventions for OPTC.
Summary:
- 179 patients with OPTC (tumor size ≤1 cm) were analyzed retrospectively.
- Patients underwent various thyroidectomy procedures, with thyroxine therapy and annual follow-up.
- Only two recurrences were noted, with no cancer-related mortality, indicating an excellent prognosis.
Impact:
- Findings suggest that routine total thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection are not necessary for most OPTC cases.
- Less invasive surgical approaches may be sufficient for OPTC without extrathyroidal extension or nodal involvement.
- This study supports a conservative management strategy for selected OPTC patients, aligning with literature on favorable outcomes.