USPSTF Recommends Against Screening for Thyroid Cancer in Asymptomatic Patients

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force notes that a marked increase in detection of low-grade thyroid cancer during the past 20 years has led to no reduction in thyroid-associated mortality.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Target Audience: Primary care clinicians

Background

The incidence of diagnosed thyroid cancer in the U.S. has increased threefold during the past 20 years, but thyroid cancer–related mortality has barely changed during that time. In South Korea, where a widespread program of ultrasound screening for thyroid cancer was launched in the late 1990s, the situation has been even more dramatic, with a 15-fold increase in diagnoses, no change in thyroid cancer–related mortality, and a substantial rise in surgical complications, including vocal cord paralysis and hypoparathyroidism.

In 1996, the USPSTF recommended against screening for thyroid cancer in asymptomatic patients; this 201…

Reviewing Author

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

USPSTF Recommends Against Screening for Thyroid Cancer in Asymptomatic Patients

Topics

Background

Reviewing Author