Papillary microcarcinoma in clinically benign thyroidology

Context: Multi-nodular goitre (MNG) is one of the most common presentations of thyroid diseases. Although a benign entity, MNG has recently been associated with a significant risk of malignancy, as Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (PTMC) is often an incidental finding in such patients. Aim: The objective of this study was to highlight the value of mandatory and diligent gross as well as histopathological examination in clinically benign thyroid specimens. Materials and Methods : This was a prospective study which included all the resected thyroid specimens of provisionally diagnosed MNG cases received in the histopathology laboratory of our department over a period of 6 months. Result: The microscopic examination showed a predominant picture of MNG along with foci of PTMC in 3 cases. Conclusion: All the patients with MNG who are treated conservatively need a close and careful follow-up for malignancy. In case of surgical treatment, careful grossing and histopathological examination of thyroid specimens is of utmost importance to identify minute foci of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (PTMC).