Thyroid cancer: The role of radiotherapy in treatment

It has been estimated that about 8000 new cases of thyroid cancer will occur in the United States in 1977; approximately 1,000 of these patients will die. The management of thyroid carcinoma almost always begins with surgery e.g. total thyroidectomy, followed usually with 131-Iodine (1311) therapy, and suppressive doses of thyroid medication. Radiation therapy (external beam and/or interstitial), although used infrequently does have a definitive role in the management of thyroid cancer. Radiotherapy may be used in the management of the four most frequent types of thyroid cancer (Papillary and Mixed PapillaryFollicular; Follicular, including Hurthle cell, Medullary; and Anaplastic), and the occasional and rare thyroid malignancy. The application of radiotherapy will be discussed in association with several examples.