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Updated: May 15, 2026
07:45
"Sun's Seven-Step Technique" for Endoscopic En-Bloc Resection of Thyroid Cancer via the Chest-Breast Approach
Published on: November 28, 2025
[Guidelines for the management of thyroid tumors]
1Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama, Japan.
Nihon Geka Gakkai Zasshi
|January 22, 2013
Summary
Japanese thyroid cancer treatment guidelines, published in 2010, recommend total thyroidectomy for high-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma. Radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation is used for aggressive cases, differing from Western approaches.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Nuclear Medicine
Context:
- Treatment strategies for differentiated thyroid carcinoma vary globally.
- Japan's approach to radioactive iodine (RAI) utilization post-surgery differs from Western practices.
- The establishment of an endocrine-thyroid surgery specialist system highlighted the need for unified guidelines.
Purpose:
- To outline the "Japan type" thyroid tumor guidelines published in 2010.
- To detail the recommended surgical and radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation strategies for differentiated thyroid carcinoma in Japan.
- To present the Japanese treatment standards for thyroid carcinoma to an international audience.
Summary:
- The 2010 Japanese guidelines recommend total thyroidectomy for high-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (e.g., tumors >5cm, invasion, extensive lymph node metastasis).
- Less extensive surgery is acceptable for other papillary thyroid carcinoma cases.
- Radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation is indicated for differentiated thyroid carcinoma with aggressive features, reflecting a distinct approach compared to Western guidelines.
Impact:
- The guidelines provide a standardized "Japan type" treatment strategy for thyroid carcinoma.
- Publication of an English version in 2012 facilitates global understanding and potential adoption of Japanese treatment protocols.
- Aims to contribute to the worldwide standardization of thyroid carcinoma treatment.
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