Clarifying dubious findings on I-131 thyroid cancer whole body images

Abstract

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Learning Objectives: 1. Highlight benign findings which mimic malignancy on I-131 scans in thyroid cancer patients. 2. Describe methods to elucidate the benign etiology of these findings. 3. Gain further understanding of interpretation of the I-131 imaging studies in thyroid cancer patients.

Abstract Body: After total thyroidectomy, the pre-treatment and one-week post I-131 ablation therapy scans in thyroid cancer patients usually reveal residual normal thyroid tissue or functioning metastatic disease. Occasionally, benign radioiodine uptake patterns may mimic malignant ones. For appropriate patient management it is important to differentiate normal uptake and artifact from cancer. This exhibit presents examples of unexpected benign I-131 uptake simulating malignancy on pre or post ablation therapy whole body scans and discusses methods employed to determine the benign nature of those findings.