Thyroid Papillary Microcarcinoma: Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches

Review The commonly occurring differentiated thyroid cancer is microcarcinoma, which is diagnosed by high-resolution ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration cytology. In view of their low morbidity and mortality, the crucial point is how to manage such microcarcinomas. American and European guidelines aim to minimize the diagnostic and treatment procedures without affecting the diagnostic accuracy and the therapeutic effectiveness. This goal is important for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients, who have an good prognosis and almost normal life expectancy. The present review will summarize the clinical and pathological features of thyroid papillary microcarcinoma, including its definition, presentation, pathology, clinical impact, and therapeutic modalities.