Evaluation of the quality of life in patients followed for differentiated cancer of the thyroid

Thyroid cancer often has good prognosis but can impact quality of life. The objective of this study is to evaluate quality of life in patients treated for differentiated thyroid carcinoma and look for associated factors. An observational cross-sectional study with comparison group was conducted in the Endocrinology Department of the Ibn Rochd University Hospital between October 2013 and February 2015. The patient group included 124 adult patients followed for differentiated thyroid carcinoma; the control group comprised 124 healthy subjects of the same age. Quality of life was evaluated by 3 questionnaires validated in Arabic: SF36, Hamilton anxiety and Hamilton depression. Patients’ quality of life was significantly impaired compared to controls on the two Hamilton and all SF36 scores. Factors influencing quality of life were TNM stage, radioiodine therapy and dose, and the presence of metastases. The psychological management of patients with thyroid cancer is an essential point always to be considered, especially in the presence of risk factors for impaired quality of life.