Our Approach

At Yale, the Active Surveillance Program for Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer is overseen by a multidisciplinary team consisting of endocrinologists, endocrine surgeons, and radiologists. In general, patients with small (< 1.5 cm) papillary thyroid cancers who prefer to avoid or defer surgery are appropriate for the program. Once a patient is referred to the program, an assessment will be made to determine if they are right for the program. The initial assessment includes a physician consultation, a specialized thyroid and neck ultrasound, and the opportunity for surgical consultation.

After enrollment in the program, patients will have thyroid and neck ultrasound monitoring every six months for the first two years, along with periodic blood tests and at least one follow-up appointment each year. After the initial two years, if there are no concerning changes then ultrasound frequency deceases to every year. Surgery may be considered or pursued at any time if circumstances or patient-physician preferences change during follow-up appointments.