Introduction:

papillary thyroid microcarcima (PTMC) is a tumour <1 cm in size, indolent and with incidental or asymptomatic diagnostic. Recently, the incidence of PTMC increased as a result of higher ultrasound detection of nonpalpable nodes, although mortality rates remain stable, with high survival in the long-term.

Objective:

to characterize patients with PTMC at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Department of the Clinicas University Hospital in the 2008-2018 decade.

Method:

observational, transversal, retrospective and analytical study. Medical records filed and policlinic records of patients who were seen in our service since June, 2008 and June, 2018 were reviewed. The number of patients assisted in the hospital between 1978 and 2008 was found, to estimate incidence and annual casuistic. Statistical analysis of variables and tendencies was performed.

Results:

42 (22%) out of 139 patients with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) had papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. In the last 40 years, hospital incidence of PTMC has increased (average = 4,2 cases/year), 88% of which were female patients. 69% of diagnostics were done by thyroid fine-needle aspirate cytology (FNAC); 57% were single focal and 43% multifocal. There was a significant association between multifocality and capsule invasion. 84% of cases did not evidence lymph node metastases. In 55% of cases postoperative radioactive iodine therapy was applied.

Conclusions:

the incidence of PTMC increased, mainly in women. Diagnosis prior to surgery was mainly done by thyroid FNAC. Capsular invasion was associated to multifocality. 16% evidence lymph node metastases upon diagnosis. Complete thyroidectomy was done in most cases, followed by radioactive iodine therapy un 55% of cases.

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