[Prognosis of visceral and osseous metastases of differentiated thyroid cancers. 24 cases].

Twenty four cases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma with distant metastases are analysed. Prolonged survival periods are possible. The best prognosis in papillary forms is stressed. Metastases fixing I131 progress more slowly, as a result of treatment with radioactive iodine but apparently also by virtue of the higher degree of differentiation of such metastases. One case of apparent cure of pulmonary metastasis after treatment with radioactive iodine is described. Surgery and external radiotherapy retain a place of choice in the treatment of metastases. In our experience, chemotherapy has been disappointing.