Non-surgical treatment of thyroid carcinoma.

Thyroid carcinoma, as a rule, is a slow growing tumour and overall results are good. However, the failure to control the primary tumour in a high percentage of patients makes it necessary that adequate, appropriate treatment be given at the first opportunity. Surgery, radiotherapy, radioiodine, hormones and chemotherapy all have a role to play. It is recommended that combination treatment should be used whenever possible. A treatment strategy is outlined. Generally, for differentiated carcinoma, the younger the patient at the time of diagnosis, the better the prognosis.