Incidental papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid--further evidence of a very low malignant potential: a retrospective clinicopathological study with up to 30 years of follow-up.

Background: Despite the frequent occurrence of papillary microcarcinoma (PMC) of the thyroid, no consensus on its malignant potential or its treatment exists. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of a retrospective cohort of consecutive patients with PMC treated in a single institution during a 30-year period and to study the incidence rates of PMC in all patients operated on for thyroid diseases during this period.

Methods: Demographic data, clinical characteristics, histological workup of the resected glands, histopathological features, treatment, and follow-up data were studied.