Treatment Decision-Making Among Patients Diagnosed With Papillary Microcarcinoma and Their Significant Others

Treatment Decision-Making Among Patients Diagnosed With Papillary Microcarcinoma and Their Significant Others

The purpose of this study is to understand more about why some patients choose to have surgery to treat their papillary microcarcinoma (PMC) and others choose to have their papillary microcarcinoma (PMC) regularly watched by their doctor to see if and when they may need surgery (referred to as "active surveillance"). The investigators also hope learn more about what patients and their family members worry about or feel they will gain from surgery or active surveillance.

Inclusion Criteria:

Thyroid cancer patient eligibility will include:

• Thyroid cancer patients who have been diagnosed with papillary microcarcinoma (or subcentimeter thyroid lesions with fine needle aspiration biopsy suspicious for papillary or follicular thyroid cancer) within the prior 6-12 months as per EMR path report and clinician assessment;
• Presented with the option of treating their papillary microcarcinomas with either surgery or active surveillance as per treating physician;
• English-fluent;
• 18 years of age or older;

Patient-designated significant other eligibility will include:

• Nomination by patient as individual who assisted patient in decision-making regarding how to treat thyroid papillary microcarcinoma;
• English-fluent;
• 18 years of age or older;

Exclusion Criteria:

Thyroid cancer patient exclusion criteria will include:

• Thyroid cancer patients with known loco-regional or distant metastases prior to initial surgical intervention as per path report.