Advances in imaging in differentiated thyroid cancer: focus on SPECT/CT and PET/CT

Abstract

Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer of the endocrine system and has exhibited a steady rise in incidence over the last 30 years. The management of thyroid cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach and imaging is important for diagnosis, staging, surveillance and risk stratification. Anatomical imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and MRI, are used for the detection and characterization of thyroid nodules, assessment of nodal disease and to evaluate for extrathyroidal spread of disease prior to surgery. Functional imaging using ¹²³I and ¹³¹I studies provide important prognostic information, confirm radioiodine avidity of tumor in preparation for ¹³¹I therapy and detect metastatic disease, thereby directing further management. Hybrid imaging combines the individual strengths of the anatomical and functional imaging modalities, providing the clinician with a powerful management tool. In this article, we look at the role of imaging, with a particular focus on the emerging role of hybrid imaging modalities, such as single photon emission computed tomography/CT and positron emission tomography/CT, in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer.

Keywords::

• ¹³¹I post-therapy scans
• CT
• MRI
• PET/CT
• SPECT/CT
• thyroid cancer
• ultrasound

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.