Objective: To present an overview of surgical management of differentiated thyroid cancer.
Methods: Evaluation of the thyroid nodule, assessment of indications for surgical treatment, analysis of the extent of surgical excision, and recommendations for lymph node dissection are addressed.
Results: In a patient with a thyroid nodule, certain historical information (such as prior irradiation to the head and neck or a family history of thyroid carcinoma) and physical findings (for example, a nonfunctioning, solitary thyroid nodule) increase the likelihood of a thyroid malignant lesion. Some indications for surgical intervention are a diagnosis of cancer on fine-needle aspiration biopsy, the presence of a cold nodule, or the presence of a large thyroid lesion, especially one that causes symptoms such as hoarseness or dysphagia. Although the extent of surgical excision is controversial, the presence of metastatic lesions, extrathyroidal extension, and multicentricity all are indications for total thyroidectomy. Grossly enlarged lymph nodes should be surgically excised. Probe-guided surgical resection is a promising advance in the management of persistent or recurrent thyroid carcinoma.
Conclusion: Most patients with differentiated thyroid cancer have an excellent prognosis. Appropriate management is the key to minimizing morbidity and recurrences.