Ultrasonography.  2017 Apr;36(2):103-110. 10.14366/usg.16048.

Ultrasonographic imaging of papillary thyroid carcinoma variants

• Shin JH

• KMID: 2376061
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14366/usg.16048

Abstract

Ultrasonography (US) is routinely used to evaluate thyroid nodules. The US features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the most common thyroid malignancy, include hypoechogenicity, spiculated/microlobulated margins, microcalcifications, and a nonparallel orientation. However, many PTC variants have been identified, some of which differ from the classic type of PTC in terms of biological behavior and clinical outcomes. This review describes the US features and clinical implications of the variants of PTC. With the introduction of active surveillance replacing immediate biopsy or surgical treatment of indolent, small PTCs, an understanding of the US characteristics of PTC variants will facilitate the individualized management of patients with PTC.

Keyword

Ultrasonography; Thyroid cancer, papillary; Papillary thyroid carcinoma variant; Thyroid neoplasms

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Humans
Thyroid Gland*
Thyroid Neoplasms*
Thyroid Nodule
Ultrasonography