| If an individual fails to recover within the expected maximum duration period, the reader may wish to consider the following questions to better understand the specifics of an individual's medical case. Regarding diagnosis:
- Does individual have a family history of thyroid cancer?
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Has individual been repeatedly exposed to external radiation?
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Does individual have low intake of dietary iodide?
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Is a firm, nontender nodule(s) present at the base of the neck?
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Does individual complain of hoarseness, dysphonia, dysphagia, dyspnea, hemoptysis, chest pain, or bone pain?
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Were thyroid function tests performed? Polymerase chain reaction assay?
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Was ultrasound imaging done? CT? MRI?
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Was radioisotope imaging performed?
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Was FNAB done to confirm the diagnosis?
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Was a diagnosis of papillary, follicular, medullary, or anaplastic thyroid cancer?
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What was the stage of the cancer at diagnosis?
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Has the thyroid cancer metastasized to cervical lymph nodes or other organ systems?
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Regarding treatment:
- Was partial or total thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy performed?
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Had cancer spread to the cervical lymph nodes? If so, were they removed (lymphadenectomy)?
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Did individual receive radioactive iodine ablation to destroy residual cancer cells?
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Was postoperative radioisotope imaging performed to assess for regional or distant metastases?
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Did individual require radiation therapy? Chemotherapy?
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Does individual require lifetime thyroid hormone supplements?
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Regarding prognosis:
- Is individual being monitored for metastases?
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Have any complications developed after surgery, such as laryngeal nerve injury or hypoparathyroidism? Are they being treated? Responding to treatment?
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Is employer able to accommodate individual's return to work?
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If individual has anaplastic cancer, what is the expected survival time?
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Would individual benefit from any form of additional treatment at this time?
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Source: Medical Disability Advisor