Health-related quality of life in long-term follow-up of patients with cured TNM Stage I or II differentiated thyroid carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of cured low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after long-term follow-up. A cross-sectional study including an age- and gender-standardized sample of the general population. HRQoL was assessed by the 15D in 341 DTC patients, whose initial treatment for stage I or II DTC was performed 12.4 years (range 5-20) earlier. The results were compared to those of an age- and gender-standardized sample of the general population (n = 6001). Determinants of HRQoL in DTC patients were assessed by the Tobit model. Mean total 15D scores did not differ between patients and control subjects. In single dimensions, DTC patients were significantly worse off with regards to sleeping, speech and distress (P = 0.001, 0.002 and 0.012, respectively), but better off with regards to discomfort and symptoms (P < 0.001). Within the patient group, the only significant independent predictor of HRQoL was age at the time of the initial treatment (P < 0.001). After long-term follow-up, overall HRQoL in DTC patients is comparable to that of the general population. DTC patients demonstrate an age-related decline in HRQoL, similar to that seen in the population in general.