Management of thyroid carcinoma with radioactive 131I

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the role of radioactive 131 I in the management of patients with well differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid. Methods and Materials: Between 1965 and 1995, a total of 117 patients with well-differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid underwent either lobectomy or thyroidectomy followed by 100–150 mCi of 131 I. Results: With a median follow-up of 8 years, only four patients (3%) developed a recurrance of their disease. The 5-year acturial survival was 97% with a 10-year survival of 91%. There were no severe side effects noted after 131 I therapy. Conclusions: Radioactive 131 I is a safe and effective procedure for the majority of patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. We currently recommend that all patients undergo a subtotal or total thyroidectomy followed by 131 I thyroid scanning approxmately 4 weeks after surgery. If the thyroid scan shows no residual uptake and all disease is confined to the thyroid, we recommend following patients with annual thyroid scans and serum thyroglobulin levels. If there is any residual uptake detected in the neck or if the tumor extends beyond the thyroid, we recommend routine thyroid ablation of 100–150 mCi of radioactive 131 I.