Which of the following is used in the treatment of well differentiated thyroid carcinoma –
**Core Concept**
Thyroid carcinoma treatment involves targeted therapies, surgery, and radioactive iodine. Well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas, including papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, often exhibit mutations in the BRAF and RAS genes.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **Radioactive Iodine**. Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is a standard treatment for well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas, particularly after surgery. RAI targets thyroid cancer cells that take up iodine, allowing for localized radiation therapy. This treatment is most effective for tumors with retained iodine uptake.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Surgery alone is not sufficient for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma treatment, as recurrence rates remain high.
**Option B:** External beam radiation therapy is not a primary treatment for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
**Option C:** Chemotherapy is not typically used as a first-line treatment for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas often exhibit a good prognosis, but recurrence can occur years after initial treatment. Regular follow-up and surveillance, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) monitoring and ultrasound, are essential for early detection of recurrence.
**Correct Answer:** D. Radioactive Iodine.