Extrathyroidal extension-what does it mean.

Prognostic factors and risk group analysis are very well known in well differentiated thyroid cancer. One of the major prognostic factors is presence of extrathyroidal extension and residual gross tumor. It is not uncommon to find the final pathology report showing minimal extrathyroidal extension. The debate continues as to the implication of this microscopic or minimal extrathyroidal extension. The previous staging system had upstaged such tumors. However, several reports in the literature suggest no prognostic implication of microscopic or minimal extrathyroidal extension.