What is the treatment of Follicular Cancer of the Thyroid?

The major problem with follicular cancer is actually making the diagnosis. Unless there is definite evidence of secondaries, it is virtually impossible to differentiate between a non-malignant and malignant follicular lesion on fine needle aspiration. This makes intra-operative decision making difficult. Like papillary cancer there is a similar three-pronged attack:

1. Surgery

2. Radioactive iodine therapy and external beam radiotherapy

3. Drug Treatment

Thyroxine therapy and extremely limited use of chemotherapy