Rebecca S. Sippel, MD, associate professor of surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, explains that multiple studies have shown that the incidence and diagnosis of thyroid cancer is on the rise; however, the cause of this increase is largely unknown.

The major risk factors that call for added screening for thyroid cancer are radiation exposure and a positive family history. Unfortunately, the genetics of familial thyroid cancer are complicated and not well understood, Sippel believes. However, it is clear that every person with a first-degree relative that had thyroid cancer should be screened more aggressively.

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Rebecca S. Sippel, MD, from University of Wisconsin, explains the need for added screening for those at high-risk of developing thyroid cancer. 

Dr. Sippel Explains Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors

Rebecca S. Sippel, MD, associate professor of surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, discusses the importance of the initial surgical procedure for the management of patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).

The initial surgery for MTC substantially dictates and impacts the long-term prognosis for patients. The most adequate and successful surgery requires proper preoperative diagnosis and planning, Sippel believes. Following a diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration cytology, an appropriate staging evaluation using calcitonin levels and a neck ultrasound establishes whether the disease is regional or metastatic and helps determine the extent of the surgery.

Sippel recommends a total thyroidectomy plus a comprehensive bilateral central neck dissection (CND) for every patient with MTC, at the first surgical intervention. She warns that a bilateral CND is difficult to perform in a second procedure, warranting the upfront use in every patient since nodal disease is common. However, in some cases, a lateral or ipsilateral lateral neck dissection may also be effective, she adds.

Unlike other types of thyroid cancer, surgical management is the mainstay for MTC and must be aggressive and comprehensive at the initial operation in order to achieve the best results.

View coverage from the 2012 ATA Annual Meeting

Rebecca S. Sippel, MD, from the University of Wisconsin, discusses the importance of the initial surgery for patients with medullary thyroid cancer on outcomes. 


Rebecca S. Sippel, MD

Articles

Dr. Sippel Explains Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors

Dr. Sippel on the Importance of the Initial Surgery for MTC