Authors' recommendations: A scale evaluating the effects of the USPSTF was used for this study to establish Key Questions 1~4. Key Question 1 : Would ultrasound thyroid screening and treatment raise the likelihood of early detection of thyroid cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence and death? 6 articles were chosen as final studies. The level of recommendation of ultrasonography screening for thyroid cancer was 'low' and was 'not recommended'. Key Question 2 : Is ultrasonography an accurate test for thyroid cancer screening? two articles were chosen as final studies. According to the evidence level of USPSTF, previous studies on whether ultrasonography was an accurate test for thyroid cancer screening showed a relatively high quality but the evidence presented was inadequate. Key Question 3 : Is the natural death of thyroid cancer detected from screening different from that of thyroid cancer found with symptoms? There were no appropriate articles for Key Question 3. The level of evidence was assessed as very low when evaluated from GRADE. It was also assessed that evidence was inadequate for Key Question 4 in the USPSTF recommendation level assessment. Key Question 4 : Is delayed treatment different from early treatment effective in reducing mortality rate or preventing recurrence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC)? One article was chosen as the final study. Currently, there is insufficient evidence for assessing the effectiveness of thyroid cancer screening using ultrasonography among asymptomatic healthy population. Thus, studies presenting a basis on the effectiveness of thyroid cancer screening tests using ultrasonography would be required in the future.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://www.neca.re.kr/center/researcher/report_view.jsp?boardNo=GA&&seq=44&q=626f6172644e6f3d4741

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: South Korea

Organisation Name: National Evidence-based healthcare Collaborating Agency

Contact Address: National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency (NECA), 3~5F Health and Welfare Social Administration B/D, 400 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea.

Contact Name: int@neca.re.kr

Contact Email: int@neca.re.kr

Copyright: National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency (NECA)