Nationwide survey on the treatment policy for well-differentiated thyroid cancer -- results of a questionnaire distributed at the 37th meeting of the Japanese Society of Thyroid Surgery

The treatment policy for patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer varies among institutions. Although surgery has been the mainstay of treatment for this cancer, there is no consensus concerning the optimal extent of thyroid resection or the extent of lymph node dissection. Furthermore, controversy remains with regard to the indications for radiation therapy and hormonal therapy in surgical or non-surgical cases and the treatment modalities for cancer recurrence. To determine the actual status of treatment policies for thyroid cancer in Japan, a questionnaire was distributed to all physicians who participated in the 37th meeting of the Japanese Society of Thyroid Surgery, to inquire into treatment options for well-differentiated thyroid cancer in relation to clinical stages in actual situations. The replies to this questionnaire were analyzed in this study.