FDG PET and alternative imaging in the management of thyroid carcinoma

Adil M. Al-Nahhas

Vol 6, No 2 (2003)

Review paper

Submitted: 2012-01-23

Published online: 2003-10-10

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FDG PET and alternative imaging in the management of thyroid carcinoma

Adil M. Al-Nahhas

Nucl. Med. Rev 2003;6(2):139-145.

Vol 6, No 2 (2003)

Reviews

Submitted: 2012-01-23

Published online: 2003-10-10

Abstract

Differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid are one of rare malignancies that is associated with excellent prognosis. Follow-up with regular thyroglobulin assay and ¹³¹I whole-body scan is capable of detecting residual or recurrent disease with great sensitivity and specificity. However, there is overwhelming evidence to suggest that this approach is not fail-safe due to increasing reports of false negative and false positive results, which may result in missed or unwarranted therapy with ¹³¹I. This article will review the current management of differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid and the possible causes of the reported inadequacy of thyroglobulin and ¹³¹I whole-body scan to detect residual or recurrent disease, and the increasing role of alternative imaging, particularly ¹⁸F-FDG PET in the management of this curable malignancy.