Differentiated thyroid cancer: A guide to survivorship care.

BACKGROUND

Thyroid cancer diagnoses are increasing in Australia. Increased detection and excellent prognosis of differentiated thyroid cancers has led to a growing cohort of patients undergoing post-treatment survivorship care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the principles and modalities of differentiated thyroid cancer survivorship care in adults and present a framework for follow-up within general practice.

DISCUSSION

Surveillance for recurrent disease is an important component of survivorship care and involves clinical assessment, biochemical monitoring of serum thyroglobulin and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies and ultrasonography. Thyroid‑ stimulating hormone suppression is frequently used to reduce the risk of recurrence. Clear communication between the patient's thyroid specialists and their general practitioners is important to plan and monitor effective follow-up.