Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, with a rising global incidence. A structured evaluation of thyroid nodules is recommended for accurate diagnosis and management. A multidisciplinary approach with shared care between specialists and GPs ensures optimal care.
Key Points
- The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing worldwide.
- Structured assessment of a thyroid nodule consists of exclusion of hyperthyroidism, followed by neck ultrasonography and cytological examination of nodules that have a suspicious ultrasonographic appearance.
- Surgery (lobectomy or total thyroidectomy) is the first-line treatment of highly suspected or cytologically confirmed thyroid cancer.
- Adjuvant therapy, including radioactive iodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression with levothyroxine therapy, is determined by evidence-based risk criteria.
- Dynamic staging and routine surveillance with thyroid ultrasound and measurement of thyroglobulin levels are important in the subsequent management of thyroid cancer.
- Optimal care involves multidisciplinary specialist management and a fully informed GP.
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