Recurrent/Persistent Nodal Disease in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Publication Date: January 9, 2015
Key Points
Key Points
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. In 2014 it is estimated that 96% of all new endocrine organ cancers will originate from the thyroid gland, resulting in approximately 63,000 new cases and taking the lives of 1890 patients.
Gross lymph node metastases can be present in approximately 35% of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).
Although lymph node metastases are common in DTC, death is not, and the lack of a clear prognostic indication has led to controversy in the management of cervical lymph nodes.
What may be more significant from a prognostic standpoint are lymph node metastases that are larger than 3 cm, exhibit extranodal extension, or metastasis present in more than five lymph nodes.
Identification of recurrent/persistent disease requires a team decision-making process that includes the patient and physicians as to what, if any, intervention should be performed to best control the disease while minimizing morbidity.
Gross lymph node metastases can be present in approximately 35% of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).
Although lymph node metastases are common in DTC, death is not, and the lack of a clear prognostic indication has led to controversy in the management of cervical lymph nodes.
What may be more significant from a prognostic standpoint are lymph node metastases that are larger than 3 cm, exhibit extranodal extension, or metastasis present in more than five lymph nodes.
Identification of recurrent/persistent disease requires a team decision-making process that includes the patient and physicians as to what, if any, intervention should be performed to best control the disease while minimizing morbidity.
Diagnosis
...iagnosis...
...les to Consider When Deciding How Best to Manage a...