New guidelines for the management of thyroid cancer

Clinical Endocrinology has published the latest Guidelines for the Management of Thyroid Cancer from the British Thyroid Association.

This third edition represents a comprehensive revision of the guidelines since their last update in 2006/7, with several new contributors from a wider range of disciplines. The new edition incorporates recent evidence and promotes further the survivorship agenda by emphasising the importance of quality of life. Patient engagement and participation in decision making is highlighted. The role of new and emerging treatments in advanced disease is also included. Ultrasound of the neck performed by an expert operator is invaluable in the investigation of suspected cases of thyroid cancer and a new chapter is devoted to describing how to best utilise this technique. Additional chapters include microcarcinoma, anaplastic thyroid cancer and survivorship.

The document provides guidance for medical professionals as well as those involved in managerial roles. The guidelines are also intended to provide a basis for local and national audits.