RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Limited adequacy of thyroid cancer patient follow-up at a Canadian tertiary care centre
JF Canadian Journal of Surgery
JO CAN J SURG
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 385
OP 392
DO 10.1503/cjs.018112
VO 56
IS 6
A1 Elaine Lam
A1 Scott S. Strugnell
A1 Chris Bajdik
A1 Daniel Holmes
A1 Sam M. Wiseman
YR 2013
UL http://canjsurg.ca/content/56/6/385.abstract
AB Background: We sought to evaluate the adequacy of follow-up of thyroid cancer patients at a Canadian centre.Methods: We mailed a survey to the family physicians of thyroid cancer patients and analyzed the findings relative to follow-up guidelines published by the American Thyroid Association (ATA). Statistical significance between early and late follow-up patterns was analyzed using the χ2 test.Results: Our survey response rate was 56.2% (91 of 162). The time from operation ranged from 1.24–7.13 (mean 3.96) years, and 87.9% of patients had undergone a physical exam within the previous year. Only 37.4% and 14% of patients had a serum thyroglobulin measurement within 6 and between 6 and 12 months before the survey, respectively. Thyroid simulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured within the prior 6 months in 67% of patients and between 6 and 12 months in 13.2%. The TSH levels were suppressed (< 0.1 μIU/L) in 24.2% of patients, 0.1–2 μIU/L in 44% and greater than 2 μIU/L in 17.6%. Ultrasonography was the most common imaging test performed.Conclusion: There is significant variation in the follow-up patterns of patients with thyroid cancer, and there is considerable deviation from current ATA guidelines.