Thyroid cancer diagnosis and management

This article provides an overview of the classification of thyroid carcinoma into well-differentiated forms (papillary and follicular) as well as the rare Hurthle cell, medullary, and anaplastic forms. The characteristics, relative frequency, and mortality rates of each form of thyroid cancer are summarized. The roles of history, physical examination, blood tests, such as thyroid function test, thyroglobulin (htg), calcitonin and CEA, radionuclide and ultrasound imaging, and fine-needle aspirates are outlined for the diagnosis and management of thyroid cancer. An algorithmic diagram of the monitoring procedures for long-term management of various forms of thyroid cancer is presented.