Comparing quality of life in thyroid cancer patients after different surgeries

Comparison of Quality of Life Between Patients with Early Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Undergoing Minimally Invasive and Open Surgery: a Prospective Cohort Study

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University · NCT06037174

This study looks at how different types of thyroid cancer surgery affect the quality of life, voice, and scarring for patients with early-stage thyroid cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment230 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (other)
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT06037174 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study follows patients with early differentiated thyroid cancer who undergo either traditional open surgery or minimally invasive procedures. The aim is to assess the impact of these surgical approaches on patients' quality of life, voice, and scarring through regular follow-ups and standardized questionnaires. By comparing outcomes, the study seeks to provide evidence that minimally invasive surgery may offer better aesthetic results and overall quality of life improvements compared to conventional methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with biopsy-confirmed differentiated thyroid carcinoma at early stages.

Not a fit: Patients with aggressive thyroid cancer types or those with a history of thyroid surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical options for thyroid cancer patients, enhancing their quality of life post-surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for minimally invasive surgical techniques in various cancers, suggesting potential success for this approach in thyroid cancer as well.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years and \< 70 years;
* Biopsy or surgical pathology indicated differentiated thyroid carcinoma (papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular carcinoma);
* stage T1\~T3a, N0\~N1a, M0;
* Ability to read and write Chinese;
* Willingness to follow up.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years old or ≥70 years old;
* Biopsy or surgical pathology indicated medullary carcinoma or anaplastic thyroid carcinoma;
* Aggressive histology: tall cell, columnar cell, hobnail variant, etc.
* Mixed with medullary carcinoma or anaplastic thyroid carcinoma;
* High risk of recurrence (according to ATA guideline);
* Lateral cervical lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis;
* Suffer from other malignant tumors;
* History of thyroid surgery or cervical lymph node dissection;
* Cognition or behavior impairment.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Thyroid Cancer, thyroid cancer, quality of life, minimally invasive, surgery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.