Non-ultrasonographic and Non-radioiodine Imaging Techniques in Thyroid Cancer

Ultrasonography is the most commonly used and most effective imaging modality in thyroid cancer imaging. It is the most successful method for evaluating primary tumor and local disease. I-131 scintigraphy is also a useful method in evaluating the whole body, but lacks anatomical detail. The absence of radioiodine uptake in 30-40% of patients also reduces the reliability of the test. These imaging methods alone are insufficient, especially in advanced stage and aggressive thyroid cancer subtypes. In this article, the additional roles, advantages and limitations of the several other imaging techniques, which are used for thyroid cancer staging and follow-up, will be discussed.