IntroductionQuality of life (QoL) has received increasing interest in the last years, especially in patients with cancer. This article aims to analyze a selection of medical research papers regarding the quality of life in patients with thyroid carcinoma. We overviewed the main QoL aspects derived from several studies and highlighted those less researched issues, which could represent a solid base for future clinical studies.MethodWe used an integrative selection method of medical literature, choosing mostly “free access” studies, as it was considered that they could be easily viewed, searched and researched including by patients.ResultsAfter an integrative literature review, we selected 16 relevant studies. Patients with thyroid cancer have several factors influencing their QoL, with both physical and psychological impact. The decisive factors are the quality of the surgical act, radioiodine therapy, follow-up using rh-TSH vs. hormonal withdrawal, access to behavioral help and the relationship with their physician.ConclusionWe must understand the emotional impact of the cancer diagnosis on the patient and we must collaborate in order to help the patient restore the psychosomatic balance and to recover the quality of life

Background and aimThis study aimed at determining whether there is a risk regarding the development of second primary malignancies after patient exposure to the low and medium radioiodine activity used during the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC).MethodsSecond primary malignancies that occurred after DTC were detected in 1,990 patients treated between 1970 and 2003. The mean long-term follow-up period was 182 months.ResultsRadioiodine I-131was administrated at a mean dose of 63.2 mCi. There were 93 patients with at least one second primary malignancy. The relative risk of development of second malignancy in DTC patients was increased (p<0.0001) for breast, uterine and ovarian cancers compared with the general population.ConclusionsThe overall risk concerning the development of second primary malignancies was related to the presence of DTC, but not to exposure to the low and medium activities of radioiodine administered as adjuvant therapy.

Background and aimsIt is very well know nowadays that despite all the good and qualitative information available, the patients who are supposed to be treated with radioiodine for differentiated thyroid cancer suffer from a lot of concerns prior the treatment. The aim of our study is to investigate the level of anxiety and lessening of the concerns pre and post RIT (radioiodine therapy) using a dedicated, special designed questionnaire.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 54 differentiated thyroid cancer patients was conducted. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were invited to complete the radioprotection questionnaire pre and post RIT. The questionnaire comprises two sections (pre and post radioiodine treatment) with specific questions regarding aspects of radioprotection measures and the impact on the overall well-being. For uniform distribution of variables we used Pearson correlation and for monotonic relationship between variables, Spearman correlation.ResultsThe pre-treatment questionnaire reported a strong confidence of the patients in the medical team, good and accurate information regarding the treatment, >50 % suffering from anxiety and concerns before the radioiodine treatment. The post treatment questionnaire revealed no fear of isolation, a lot of useful information and most of the patients would undergo another treatment, if necessary and also recommend it to others.ConclusionThe milestone in having a good and compliant patient remains a very good communication between the medical team and the patient. We are able to influence and change things and have fewer patients with fear from radioactivity and treatment concerns if we dedicate enough time to give them the adequate information in the best way so it will be correctly received.