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Pulmonary metastases in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Study of 58 cases with implications for the primary tumor treatment

Journal Article · · Cancer (Philadelphia); (United States)

Fifty-eight cases of pulmonary metastases (PM) from 831 cases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) were studied. PM were found in about 10% of follicular and 5% of papillary tumors. /sup 131/I uptake was found in 55% of the cases, irrespective of histology. Twenty-one patients were treated by /sup 131/I only and 12 were cured. Micronodular metastases, 92% papillary, with 86% positive /sup 131/I uptake and 77% 8-year survival rate, are the most favorable forms. In others the influence of PM size/age, uptake, delay of appearance, presence of cervical or mediastinal lymph nodes is discussed. Occurrence of late PM according to treatment of the primary tumor was 1.3% thyroidectomy + /sup 131/I; 3% thyroidectomy; 5% partial thyroidectomy + /sup 131/I; 11% partial thyroidectomy only. Thus prevention in DTC of severe PM (28% 8-year survival rate) can best be achieved by complete thyroidectomy + /sup 131/I ablation dose.

Research Organization:
Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, Paris, France
OSTI ID:
6407581
Journal Information:
Cancer (Philadelphia); (United States), Journal Name: Cancer (Philadelphia); (United States) Vol. 53:4; ISSN CANCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English