Follicular carcinoma of thyroid gland

**Definition:** A differentiated adenocarcinoma arising from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. The nuclear features which characterise the thyroid gland papillary carcinoma are absent. Radiation exposure is a risk factor and it comprises approximately 10% to 15% of thyroid cancers. Clinically, it usually presents as a solitary mass in the thyroid gland. It is generally unifocal and thickly encapsulated and shows invasion of the capsule or the vessels. Diagnostic procedures include: thyroid ultrasound and fine needle biopsy.