Active surveillance for thyroid cancer

In some cases, your doctor may recommend closely monitoring the cancer, rather than having treatment straightaway. This approach is known as active surveillance. It usually involves regular ultrasounds and physical examinations.

There is good evidence that active surveillance is safe for small papillary thyroid cancers when there is no sign that the cancer has spread from the thyroid. It may be an option when the tumour is under 10 mm, isn’t causing any symptoms and is considered to be low risk.

If you choose active surveillance, a specialist thyroid radiologist will need to map the tumour. Your doctor may suggest that cancers close to muscle, the vocal nerve, trachea or oesophagus be treated with surgery.

Some people choose active surveillance if treatment side effects would make them feel worse than the cancer itself. Other people are worried or stressed by the idea of active surveillance and want to have treatment straightaway. Some people – especially those who are younger – may not want to commit to having lifelong checks and appointments. You can usually start treatment at any stage if you change your mind about having active surveillance, or if the cancer grows or spreads.

If you agree to having active surveillance, your doctor will talk to you about what changes to look out for.

→ READ MORE: Surgery for thyroid cancer

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