of Recommendations 99m Tc-pertechnetate imaging of a suspected thyroid remnant after total or near-total thyroidectomy may be appropriate if 123 I or 131 I are not available or otherwise contraindicated. Imaging of suspected residual or recurrent DTC after total or near-total thyroidectomy may be appropriate as well; however, 123 I or 131 I is preferred. Imaging of thyroid cancer before total or near-total thyroidectomy is rarely appropriate. Imaging with 99m Tc-pertechnetate in the pregnant or lactating patient is rarely appropriate.