Standard Treatment  The treatment is virtually identical to that for Stage I. The only difference between the two stages is the spread to lymph nodes . Removal of these metastases usually by a functional or modified radical neck dissection reduces the chance of local recurrence and minimally improves survival.

Five-Year Survival  Over 95 percent 

Stage III 
The tumor has invaded the tissues of the neck.

Standard Treatment  Total thyroidectomy, plus removal of all apparent areas of cancer that have spread to the neck (debulking). After surgery, radioactive iodine should be given if the tumor takes up this isotope. If the uptake is minimal or absent, external radiation may be given.

Five-Year Survival  60 percent 

Stage IV 
There are distant metastases, usually to lungs, bone and distant lymph nodes.