This decision depends on a number of factors to include number of nodes, size of primary lesion, etc. Based on your description, it sounds like you had a number of nodes that had papillary thyroid carcnioma. which would put you within the intermediate risk group based on the american thyroid association below (I've highlighted the pertinent criteria:ATA intermediate risk (520%) category includes patients with: (i) microscopic invasion of tumor into the perithyroidal soft tissues; (ii) aggressive histology (e.g. tall cell, hobnail variant, columnar cell carcinoma); (iii) PTC with vascular invasion; (iv) clinical N1 or >5 pathologic N1 with all N1 <3 cm in largest dimension; (v) multifocal papillary microcarcinoma with microscopic invasion of tumor into the perithyroidal soft tissues and BRAFV600E mutation (if known); tumour larger than 1 cm with BRAF v600E mutation could confer an intermediate risk of recurrence but has not been proven yet, based on a prospective study.In these cases, it can go either way based on discussion with your endocrinologist. Some will monitor thyroglobulin levels and obtain serial ultrasound, some will recommend RAI. In young patients (<45 years) there isn't a lot of great evidence to say RAI improves survival in those with small central compartment nodes.The decision all depends though on your specific risk factors and various other aspects of health that are outside the realm of feasible determination just through an internet post. Work with your endocrine provider, discuss risks, benefits of each; and you can likely come to decision as to what is best for you.
Papilllary thyroid cancer- RAI or notI'm a 30 F,Height 5'10, weight 139, caucasianPapillary thyroid cancer, total thyroidectomy with central neck disscection March 1st 2022Pathology showed classical papillary thyroid cancer, hematological invasion: No, Extrathyroidal invasion: No, lymph node invasion: yes, biggest 0.7 cm, 6 lymph nodes with many having psamomma bodies( did not detail in report). Should I get RAI? I can't self diagnose but im in intermediate category. No genetic testing because my cancer is not genetic?Do you think RAI is appropriate for me? I'm scared go getting a second cancer, salivary glands going and having bad teeth, etc.No known history of radiation exposure or family historyNon-smoker, Non-drinker, Non-recreational drug user- not really relevant