Active Surveillance Program for Thyroid Cancer
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Columbia’s Active Surveillance Program for Thyroid Cancer keeps a watchful eye on any changes or growth in low-risk cancers, delaying or potentially avoiding surgery.
- We track changes or growth in low-risk cancers through regular ultrasounds and symptom monitoring.
- By watching carefully, we can often significantly delay surgery and ensure that we intervene only if necessary to keep you healthy.
- If surgery does become necessary, the procedure is smaller and only requires removing the diseased part of the thyroid instead of the entire gland.
For appointments with our Active Surveillance Program, call (212) 305-0444
What is Active Surveillance?
Active surveillance is a program where patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) are carefully monitored without immediate surgery. Until recently, the treatment recommendation for most thyroid cancers was immediate surgery—a total removal of the thyroid. As our ability to monitor the growth and change of nodules has improved, we’ve found that we can now take a much less aggressive approach, especially for smaller tumors.
Twice a year, patients have a neck ultrasound and clinical examination. This close observation allows us to follow stable PTC tumors and delay or avoid surgery in many cases. If the tumor grows or spreads to the nearby lymph nodes, delayed surgery has been found to be just as effective as surgery at the time of original diagnosis.
Who We Treat
We treat patients with a diagnosis of PTC where the tumor is considered low risk, meaning the tumor is small and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.
Conditions We Treat
Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC) — PTC is the most common thyroid cancer, making up about 80% of all cases. It is usually slow-growing and carries an excellent prognosis.
Treatments We Offer
- Active surveillance tracks the growth of PTC tumors over time to delay or avoid surgery.
- Surgery is the primary treatment for PTC. If our active surveillance indicates that surgical intervention is needed, our integrated team of endocrine surgeons are available to perform the procedure.
Program Highlights
A Thoughtful Approach to Care
We understand the stress connected with your cancer diagnosis. Our experienced surgical team knows that a procedure isn’t always necessary for the best outcomes. We’re committed to helping you understand your options so you can make the best decision for you.
A Personal Choice with Expert Guidance
If your diagnosis is PTC and the tumor is considered low risk, the choice between immediate surgery and active surveillance is ultimately yours. While there are tradeoffs involved in either choice, it is important to remember that the prognosis for both options is very good.
Unmatched Surgical Skill When You Need It
Working with Columbia’s Active Surveillance Program means having access to top endocrine surgeons with experience using minimally invasive approaches. We can remove just the diseased part of the thyroid, leaving the healthy portion intact.
Our Team
Our Location
Manhattan Office
Herbert Irving Pavilion, 8th Floor
161 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10032
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Westchester Office
NewYork-Presbyterian The One
1111 Westchester Ave
White Plains, NY 10604
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155 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
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New Jersey Office
300 Frank W Burr Blvd
Suite 130
Teaneck, NJ 07666
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Make an Appointment
Our expert team is here to help evaluate your thyroid cancer and determine whether you are a candidate for active surveillance. Call (212) 305-0444 for appointments with our active surveillance program. We accept a number of insurance plans, and our team can help confirm your coverage.