Small carcinomas of the thyroid diagnosed by US-guided FNA

Abstract

5595 Background: The introduction of highly sensitive imaging technique has made it possible to detect many nonpalpable nodules in the thyroid. Discovery of these lesions raises concern about their malignancy and some of them are found thyroid cancer. This study wants to review evidence about small carcinomas of the thyroid and provide recommendations for their evaluation and treatment. Methods: Four hundred one patients with thyroid cancer had initial treatment at Kyungpook National University Hospital from Jan. 2001 to Jun. 2003. Seventy-nine patients(19.7%) were nonpalpable thyroid cancer and diagnosed by preoperative FNA. Results: Median tumor size was 1.01cm. Seventy patients(88.6%) are female. Fifteen patients(19%) had multiple lesions. 64.5 percent of patients underwent near-total thyroidectomy. Radioiodine remnant ablation was performed in 25 patients(31.6%). 96 percent of dominant structure of the lesion was papillary carcinoma. Seventeen patients(21.5%) had nodal metastasis including five patien...