The Surgical Treatment of Choice for Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer(DTC)

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 1997;13(2):200-205.
Published online November 30, 1997.

Seong Jae Cha;Sung Jun Park;Hyen Muck Lim

분화성 갑상선암 환자에서 수술범위의 선택

차성재;박성준;임현묵

Abstract

Background: There is considerable controversy concerning the most appropriate surgical treatment of patients with DTC. Objectives: In order to selection of the appropriate surgical treatment for DTC, we have analyzed the outcome of the different types of surgical treatment in low and high risk groups of DTC. Materials and Methods: From January 1968 through december 1980, a total of 71 patients with DTC were treated surgically at our institution. According to Cady and Rossi's scoring system, the patients were divided into low risk and high risk groups.
Results
Seventy percent of patients were defined as low risk group with a 4% death rate whereas 30% of patients at high risk with a death caused by thyroid cancer in 38%(p<0.05). There was no difference in mortality between ipsilateral lobectomy and total thyroidectomy in both low and high risk groups(p>0.1).
Conclusion
In our study, total thyroidectomy was not benefit in high risk group. These results suggested that total thyroidectomy must be selected carefully and based on clear evidence of major improvement in outcome or absence of other suitable surgical approaches. However, follow up study of more cases will be needed for accurate determination of the efficacy of total thyroidectomy in high risk group.

Key Words: Thyroid neoplasm, Thyroidectomy