Papillary Carcinoma of Thyroid

Papillary carcinoma is the most common malignancy seen in the thyroid. It affects females more commonly and the mean age at presentation is about 40 yrs. The vast majority of thyroid malignancies in children (> 90%) are papillary type. The risk factors include previous radiation to the neck and Hashimoto thyroiditis. Grossly, the size ranges from microscopic to several centimeters. Most tumors are whitish-gray and solid. Some may appear partially encapsulated (as seen in this image). Cystic change and papillary excrescences are also present in this case. Image courtesy of Dr. Jean-Christophe Fournet, Paris, France; humpath.com; Used with permission.