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Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Follow-up

Postoperative monitoring of papillary and follicular thyroid cancers.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Follow-up?

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) includes papillary (80-85%) and follicular (10-15%) thyroid cancers. It accounts for the vast majority of thyroid cancers and generally has a good prognosis; the 10-year survival rate exceeds 90%.

Treatment begins with total thyroidectomy (or lobectomy in low-risk cases) and, in suitable patients, radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation. TSH suppression and levothyroxine dosing are then adjusted according to risk stratification.

Thyroglobulin (Tg) is used as a tumor marker during follow-up; reliability of Tg decreases when anti-Tg antibodies are present. Recurrence is monitored with neck ultrasound and, when needed, diagnostic radioactive iodine scans.

Symptoms

Painless mass in the neck (thyroid nodule)
Cervical lymphadenopathy
Hoarseness (in recurrent laryngeal nerve involvement)
Difficulty swallowing (advanced stage)
Recurrence signs: new mass in neck, rising thyroglobulin

Risk Factors

Childhood radiation exposure to the neck region
Family history of thyroid cancer
MEN 2 syndrome (for medullary thyroid cancer)
Iodine deficiency (for follicular cancer)
Female sex (2-3 fold higher)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If a new or growing mass in the neck is noticed
  • If thyroglobulin level rises during follow-up
  • If hoarseness or swallowing difficulty develops
  • If a suspicious lymph node is detected on ultrasound

Treatment Methods

01
Total thyroidectomy + central lymph node dissection (in appropriate cases)
02
Radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation (in intermediate- and high-risk cases)
03
TSH suppression therapy (with levothyroxine according to risk group)
04
Regular follow-up with thyroglobulin and neck US
05
In recurrence or metastasis: RAI, surgery, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (lenvatinib, sorafenib)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Endokrinoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.