Is it common for thyroid cancer to return?

My friend had it 40 years ago and it never returned.

Welcome @gabby157. I moved your question about thyroid cancer recurrence to the Thyroid Cancer group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/thyroid-cancer/

I did this so more members living with thyroid cancer will see your question and you can connect with others like @kknotek @remi @sanctuary1 @elliotlaw and more.

Gabby, are you concerned that thyroid cancer has returned?

Is it common for it to return?

The chance that thyroid cancer will come back (recur) depends on many factors including the type and stage of the cancer. What type of thyroid cancer do you have? Do you know the stage?

I have papillary / follicle cancer. I had total thyroidectomy . Left first and then right. I had radio iodine treatment. Just before that they say they found tissue in there in blood test. But after the radioiodine treatment it was all treated. What tissue could it be . it is just worrying.

My friend also had it about 45 years ago and it never returned and she does not take medicine for it.