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저위험 갑상선미세유두암 적극적 감시 · Active surveillance for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma · Monitoring
Active surveillance for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Papillary microcarcinoma of 1 cm or less, with no lymph node spread, no distant spread and no invasion of surrounding tissue, does not need immediate surgery and can be followed with regular ultrasound. Ultrasound and thyroid function are checked every 6 months for the first 2 years and yearly afterwards; surgery is done if the tumor grows or spreads. The Korean Thyroid Association issued a related guideline in 2025.
Background: Korean Thyroid Association 2025 guideline; a multicenter study led by Seoul National University Hospital (MAeSTro) showed that observing first and operating later makes no difference to the extent of resection or complications compared with immediate surgery[1][2]
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Avoids unnecessary surgery and lifelong medication; Supported by Korean multicenter studies | Needs long-term regular follow-up; Not suitable for cases with spread or invasion; Some patients find the psychological burden heavy |