From thyroid nodules to thyroid cancer

Abstract

From thyroid nodules to thyroid cancer Abstract. The prevalence of thyroid nodules is around 1 % per life year, whereas 5 % of the nodules are malignant. Primary diagnostics consist of examination of TSH and cervical ultrasound. Depending on the findings, additional laboratory investigations, a scintigraphy or a biopsy are indicated. In case of thyroid cancer, the primary treatment is usually surgery. There are at least nine different clinical guidelines worldwide to provide a standardized perioperative management, whereas the guidelines of the German Association of Endocrine Surgeons (CAEK) and the American Thyroid Association (ATA) are most frequently used in the German speaking part of Europe. Individual therapy concepts are determined at the interdisciplinary endocrinological tumour boards. The indication for postoperative radioiodine treatment or thyroid hormone supplementation in TSH suppression dose in case of differentiated (papillary or follicular) thyroid cancer is evaluated according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification.