A number of controversies exist in the treatment of differentiated thyroid
carcinoma with respect to the extent of surgery, use of radioactive iodine
and post-operative thyroxine suppression. Recent recognition of prognostic
factors has helped to assign patients, based on their risk profile, as bein
g at high risk of developing recurrence. This has facilitated the developme
nt of a selective approach to therapy, thus, avoiding unnecessary treatment
and reducing morbidity without compromising treatment outcome. This review
attempts to evaluate the current concepts of management of differentiated
thyroid carcinoma in the light of these new developments.