Differentiated thyroid cancer and positron emission computed tomography: when, how and why?

Journal: Expert review of anticancer therapy
Published Date: Jul 9, 2025

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) has become an indispensable tool in oncology, offering both metabolic and anatomical insights into tumor behavior. Most differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC) are indolent and therefore FDG PET/CT is not routinely incorporated into management. However, in biologically aggressive DTCs, FDG PET/CT plays a crucial role in detecting recurrence and metastases.

Authors

  • Andrés Coca Pelaz
    Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Spain.
  • Juan Pablo Rodrigo
    Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Spain.
  • Mark Zafereo
    Department of Head and Neck Surgery.
  • Iain Nixon
    Departments of Surgery and Otolaryngology institution, Head and Neck Surgery, Edinburgh University, UK.
  • Orlando Guntinas-Lichius
    Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07747, Jena, Germany.
  • Gregory Randolph
    Division of Otolaryngology - Endocrine Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
  • Francisco J Civantos
    Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sylvester Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA.
  • Pia Pace-Asciak
    Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
  • Mark A Jara
    Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism. University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.
  • Russ Kuker
    Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
  • Alfio Ferlito
    Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, Padua, Italy.

Keywords

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