MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES AND DETERMINANTS OF PAPILLARY MICROCARCINOMA THYROID

Background Papillary microcarcinoma thyroid (PMCT) accounts for around 85% of the thyroid malignancies. Most of the autopsy series did not reveal differences in incidence with respect to gender, age, thyroid size, or multifocality. With advances in ultrasonography and ne-needle aspiration biopsies, especially in mass screening programs, PMCT can be diagnosed before surgery. This study was conducted with the aim of understanding the determinants of PMCT. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a surgery department. All patients diagnosed with PMCT in thyroidectomy specimen from 2003 to 2019 were studied. The case sheets and histopathology reports were retrieved from the computerised ling system. The case sheets and histopathology reports were retrieved from the computerised ling system. Results Out of the 140 cases studied there were 111 (79.0%) incidental cases and 29 (21.0%) non incidental cases of PMCT. Females were associated with higher chance of having incidental PMCT. Smaller size lesions were more associated with incidental PMCT. Conclusion Patients with the associated clinical risk factors should be observed carefully and periodically followed up. This can help in recognizing the occurrence of frank malignancy, the outcome of the disease and planning the appropriate timely management.