Thyroid cancer features

Most thyroid cancers retain many junctional aspects of normal thyroid cells. Although the treatment of choice for these tumors—as for all thyroid cancers—is surgical removal, the fact that these differentiated thyroid cancers retain some features of normal thyroid cells has important implications for both diagnosis and therapy (see below). 

The key features of most low-iodine diets with reference to the major sources of iodine contributing to daily iodine intake are discussed below, and are summarized in Table 99.4. As discussed, there is only limited uniformity between sources of information as to the content of a low-iodine diet, partly due to geographical and dietary variations. The recommendations of the British Thyroid Association (2002) for patients, adapted in Table 99.5, are for example not identical to the much lengthier advice provided by the Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association. Patients need to be aware that ingredient lists cannot be used reliably to determine whether a product contains significant levels of iodine. 

---