[Update on papillary thyroid cancer-What is relevant for surgeons?]

Abstract

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most frequent malignant thyroid tumor in Germany. The diagnosis can only be confirmed by histological examination of the suspicious tissue. The clinical signs, sonographic findings, and the results of fine-needle aspiration, possibly supplemented by subsequent molecular genetic analysis, can confirm the suspected diagnosis before surgery. The prognosis is very good if the diagnosis is made early and, depending on the size of the tumor, complete surgical removal is achieved, with a 10-year survival rate of more than 90%; however, histologically PTC has several variants that are associated with either a high or low risk of metastases and recurrence in patients. Therefore, the extent of necessary treatment, in particular surgical interventions for PTC has been discussed for years. This article provides an overview of the current knowledge on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of PTC.