Detection of disease recurrence in differentiated thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system, with an incidence that has been increasing for several decades. Differentiated thyroid carcinomas, which account for more than 90% of thyroid cancers, are generally indolent tumors with excellent long-term prognosis. However, the recurrence rates of differentiated thyroid cancers are high. In recognition of the growing incidence of thyroid cancer and its unfavorable risk of recurrence, several management guidelines have been established in order to effectively diagnose and treat initial and recurrent diseases at an early stage. Furthermore, the guidelines acknowledge the improvements in diagnostic modalities that have brought about a major paradigm shift in the management of thyroid cancer and surveillance for recurrence. This review will discuss the most current and advanced strategies for detection of recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer.