Thyroid cancer survivorship management

Abstract

Thyroid cancer survivors enjoy long life expectancy but may experience lifelong complications attributable to surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, or thyroid hormone suppression. The importance of these potential complications increases over time as the active initial cancer therapy is completed and the acute threat of the malignancy ebbs. Accordingly, a comprehensive examination of individuals treated for thyroid cancer should be undertaken as soon as possible to detect and correct problems and to improve quality of life in these patients. The Thyroid Cancer Survivorship Clinic at MD Anderson has been developed to provide an environment in which thyroid cancer survivors can be evaluated and potential future effects of cancer and cancer therapy can be addressed. In addition, providing this service can facilitate development of evidence-based guidelines for treatment goals and long-term surveillance.