Papillary carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequently occurring thyroid carcinoma. The aim of the present work is to perform a retrospective study to assess 172 patients with PTC who have been treated surgically, with radium-iodine (except microca) and LT4 from 1989 to 1999. The incidence of local, regional and systemic recurrence of the disease was verified together with the results at distance. Great importance on survival have preoperative cytological diagnosis, radical surgery and a modulated radio-iodine therapy. Age and tumor stage have been found as major prognostic factors, while no significant difference according to sex has been documented.