Occult carcinoma of the thyroid gland--a clinicopathologic study of 13 cases
Min, J.
Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi 5(6): 425-427
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-3766 PMID: 6676081 Document Number: 209748
Patients (13) with occult carcinoma of the thyroid gland were studied clinically and pathologically. Of the 13 cases, 5 were diagnosed by biopsy of the cervical node or bone metastases, 8 were associated with other lesions of the thyroid gland. The maximum diameter of the primary lesion was < 1.5 cm. In 1 case the occult sclerosed carcinoma was only 0.1 cm in diameter and could hardly be distinguished. Special attention should be paid to such kind of lesion during operation. Tumors with maximum neoplastic epithlelium in close contact with the thyroid follicles and the presence of tumor satellite foci within the thyroid gland are prone to lymph node metastasis. Complication of lymphocytic thyroiditis could hamper the extension and metastsis of the carcinoma. Occult carcinomas of the thyroid gland (papillary or follicular) have a far better prognosis than the other cancers.