Why is regular review after thyroid cancer and after iodine-131 treatment so important?

Many thyroid cancer patients who have undergone surgery and iodine-131 treatment may feel that their condition has been “curable”, thus neglecting subsequent periodic reviews. However, the post-operative review is not only intended to confirm the efficacy of the treatment, but also to prevent potential re-emergence risks and ensure long-term stability of health. Today we come to talk about why post-teroid cancer and iodine-131 treatment require regular review. 1. Re-emergence risk cannot ignore that thyroid cancer, although a better-than-anticipated cancer, does not mean that it will not recur after cure. According to statistics, the possibility of re-emergence of thyroid cancer still exists for 5-10 years after the surgery. Through regular review, signs of recurrence can be detected as early as possible, such as an increase in thyroid protein (Tg) levels or anomalous visual examination, which facilitates timely intervention. 2. The objective of post-treatment monitoring and iodine-131 treatment is to remove thyroid tissue and possible cancer cell residues. Regular reviews can assess the effects of treatment and ensure that there are no “fish leaks”. For example, a full-body scan (WBS) may be required after iodine-131 treatment to determine if there is any thyroid tissue residue or remote transfer. 3. Aligning the treatment programme for thyroid cancer requires long-term administration of thyroid hormones (e.g., gothroids) to inhibit the glanding of thyroid hormones (TSH) and reduce the risk of relapse. Regular reviews help monitor TSH levels and adjust hormone doses to avoid overdoses or deficiencies that cause other health problems. Protection against the transfer of thyroid cancer may be transferred to the lung, bone or other part. The early detection of signs of diversion through video-testing (e.g., neck ultrasound, chest CT or nuclear medicine scan) allows for targeted treatment. The guarantee of mental health is not only a “safety net” for many patients but also a psychological comfort. The review of normal results can significantly reduce the anxiety and fear of patients and make them more secure in their lives. The specifics of the periodic review include: thyroid examination: T3, T4, TSH level monitoring. Thyroid protein (Tg) and its antibody testing: sensitive indicators for assessing the recurrence of tumours. Cervical ultrasound: Checks for abnormalities in neck lymph nodes and surgical areas. Entire Iodine Scanning (WBS) or PET/CT: Testing for remote transfer. Other video screening if necessary: chest CT, bone scan, etc. How is the frequency of review scheduled? 2 years prior to the operation: normally reviewed every 3-6 months. 2-5 years later: review every 6-12 months. After five years: this may be extended to every 1-2 years depending on the degree of stability of the condition, subject to individualization. Post-operative review of thyroid cancer is not “excessive”, but a critical step in ensuring long-term health. Through regular review, we are not only able to have a clear control over the situation, but also to buy ourselves more windows of treatment and a better quality of life. If you or your friends have just completed the thyroid cancer operation and the iodine-131 treatment, remind them that you must not forget to review regularly to keep your health under control! Focus on me and learn more about the nuclear medicine of thyroid cancer! Thyroid malignant tumours in other specific fingers.