The recent increase in the incidence of differentiated thyroid cancers has been reported worldwide, attributed to an overdetection of asymptomatic papillary microcarcinomas. Active surveillance has meanwhile emerged as a safe alternative to immediate surgery of microcarcinomas presenting with low-risk clinical, radiological, and cytological features. Given this cancer category, the risk of disease progression appears to be higher in third and fourth decades. Deferred surgical intervention has not been shown to modify disease recurrence and survival rates. A multidisciplinary approach proves to be critical for appropriate patient selection and follow-up.
Key Words
Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, active surveillance