Slide 2.12
Papillary carcinoma is the most common form of thyroid cancer (65-80% of cases). Note the tan-white, solid, infiltrative tumor with ill-defined margins in the right lobe. Microscopic foci of tumor were identified in the left lobe as well. Some tumors can appear as well-circumscribed, encapsulated nodules or cystic masses. A diagnosis of papillary carcinoma is made however only after microscopic examination.

Slide 2.13
This is a low power picture of a classic papillary carcinoma. Note the papillary architecture (fibrovascular cores lined by cuboidal cells). A psammoma body is noted in the left upper corner (arrow), a characteristic feature of a papillary carcinoma.