Follicular Neoplasms of the Thyroid

Abstract

The authors review the group of thyroid tumors characterized by a follicular growth pattern; these include follicular adenoma, follicular carcinoma, and the follicular variant of papillary carcinoma. Most of these lesions can be diagnosed with ease, but a subgroup has generated recent controversy in the literature. The authors present their views based on their experience with the cytologic and histologic diagnosis of these tumors and propose a scheme to assist in their classification and appropriate clinical management.