Active Surveillance of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Past, Present, and Future
10.12771/emj.2021.44.2.37
- Author:
Jong-Kyu KIM
1
;
Hyungju KWON
;
Woosung LIM
;
Byung-In MOON
;
Nam Sun PAIK
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:The Ewha Medical Journal
2021;44(2):37-40
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Active surveillance (AS) of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma was first suggested by Dr. Akira Miyauchi at Kuma Hospital in 1993. Based on several subsequent evidences, AS was approved by the American Thyroid Association in 2015. AS is no longer an experimental treatment but has become an acceptable standard of care for patients with low-risk thyroid cancers. No molecular markers, such as BRAF mutations, have been identified to predict the prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer. However, future molecular studies may reveal the relationship between genetic mutations and thyroid cancer prognosis. AS involves closely monitoring thyroid cancer over time, instead of immediately treating it with surgery. Patients and medical doctors should consider these two options: observation or surgery.
