Publication: Total thyroidectomy: the treatment of choice in differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Date
2005
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Introduction: Clinically detectable thyroid carcinoma constitutes less than 1% of human cancers. Ninety percent of
all thyroid malignancies are differentiated papillary and follicular carcinoma. Surgery plays a key role in
differentiated thyroid carcinoma as it carries excellent prognosis, lower recurrence rate and low mortality rate but
controversy persists for extent of surgery and optimal surgical management of lymph node metastasis. Patient and
Method: A retrospective analysis was done for the cases that underwent total thyroidectomy with lymph node
dissection for differentiated carcinoma of thyroid in Kathmandu Medical College during two year periods (Oct 2001
to Oct 2003). Result: In our experience with 18 cases of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma (DTC) treated with total
thyroidectomies and lymph node dissection, papillary carcinoma was predominant with 83% incidence. Disease was
prevalent in 50 to 60year age group. Except two cases of transient hypocalcaemia and few wound related
complications, there have been no other complications. Conclusion: Total thyroidectomy with lymph node
dissection is safe and effective, so, the treatment of choice in cases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.