Primary stage T1 papillary tumors
Primary Stage T1 Papillary Tumors
Primary Stage T1 papillary tumors are malignant tumors of the thyroid glands, which grow slowly, have a low risk of spreading and relatively good prognosis, and can usually be treated with surgery alone. The tumors typically consist of solid or cystic areas of differentiated follicular or papillary thyroid cells with or without necrosis.
T1 tumors are classified as either non-invasive or invasive. Non-invasive tumors are limited to the capsule of the thyroid gland and do not spread to blood vessels or lymph nodes. In contrast, invasive tumors may spread locally to the lymph nodes, or more rarely to distant sites.
T1 tumors can be further divided into two subtypes:
- T1⁰: These are non-invasive tumors that are limited to the capsule of the thyroid gland and do not spread to blood vessels or lymph nodes.
- T1a: These are invasive tumors that remain confined to the thyroid capsule, but may invade local tissues and lymph nodes.
Treatment of primary stage T1 tumors typically involves surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. Depending on the degree of invasion, the doctor may elect to remove the entire lobe of the thyroid. For those with non-invasive tumors, radioactive iodine therapy may follow to reduce the risk of recurrence. However, it is usually not recommended for those with invasive tumors, as it may cause cancer to spread deeper into the surrounding tissue.
Survival rates for primary stage T1 tumors are generally favorable. The 5-year overall survival rate for non-invasive tumors is greater than 95%, while the 5-year overall survival rate for invasive tumors is greater than 80%. Treatment for primary stage T1 tumors is individualized and the doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of any potential treatments with the patient.