Current therapeutic options for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma: A scoping evidence review

Most cases of thyroid carcinoma are classified as low risk. These lesions have been treated with open surgery, remote access thyroidectomy, active surveillance, and percutaneous ablation. However, there is lack of consensus and clear indications for a specific treatment selection. The objective of this study is to review the literature regarding the indications for management selection for low-risk carcinomas. Systematic review exploring inclusion and exclusion criteria used to select patients with low-risk carcinomas for treatment approaches. The search found 69 studies. The inclusion criteria most reported were nodule diameter and histopathological confirmation of the tumor type. The most common exclusions were lymph node metastasis and extra-thyroidal extension. There was significant heterogeneity among inclusion and exclusion criteria according to the analyzed therapeutic approach. Alternative therapeutic approaches in low-risk carcinomas can be cautiously considered. Open thyroidectomy remains the standard treatment against which all other approaches must be compared.

Automated summary

The study reviewed literature on the indications for management selection for low-risk thyroid carcinomas, finding significant heterogeneity in inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most commonly reported inclusion criteria were nodule diameter and histopathological confirmation of tumor type, while lymph node metastasis and extra-thyroidal extension were common exclusions. Alternative therapeutic approaches in low-risk carcinomas can be considered cautiously, with open thyroidectomy remaining the standard treatment.