A 40-year-old woman undergoes total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Histopathology shows a 3.5 cm tumour with minimal extrathyroidal extension and 2/10 central compartment lymph nodes positive for metastasis. According to the AJCC 8th edition TNM staging, what is the T category?
- A T3a ✓
- B T2
- C T1
- D T3b
Correct answer: A. T3a
Explanation
In AJCC 8th edition, T3a denotes tumours of any size with minimal extrathyroidal extension to the sternothyroid muscle or perithyroidal soft tissues. T3b denotes gross extrathyroidal extension involving strap muscles beyond sternothyroid. T2 is tumour 2-4 cm confined to thyroid. T1 is tumour 2 cm or less confined to thyroid.
Reference: AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th ed.
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