Thyrogen® Scans for Detecting Recurrent Thyroid Cancer

Although the thyroid gland is a relatively small organ in the body, it plays a major role in health. Patients who are diagnosed with well-differentiated thyroid cancer can be effectively treated and have excellent rates of survival. After initial surgery and treatment with radioactive iodine ablation, these patients will require lifelong monitoring for recurrence of disease. The use of Thyrogen® stimulated positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans plays an important role in long-term monitoring. The radiology nurse's role as patient advocate is essential in helping patients have a successful journey through a Thyrogen® study.