This scientific event is aboud strategies in Thyroid Cancer Treatment and Innovations in Thyroid Surgery.

Target group: Endocrine surgeons, Endocrinologists, Residents in 5th  or 6th year ... with interest in Thyroid Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment

Faculty: Prof. Menno Vriens, UMC Utrecht | Dr. Casper Smit, RDGG Delft | Dr. Schelto Kruijff, UMC Groningen

Introduction: Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC) is the most common endocrine cancer and occurs in 5% of thyroid nodules. For reasons not fully explained its incidence is increasing although its prognosis is excellent, with a long-term disease-free survival of about 90% at 20 years.  Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent cancer affecting the thyroid gland, it spreads through the lymphatic system and it can be detected in regional lymph nodes in up to 80-90%. Neck Ultrasound study has been shown to be a useful tool to preoperatively stage Thyroid Cancer, as well as to diagnose and monitor recurrences. Total Thyroidectomy is the best approach to Thyroid Cancer; Central Neck Dissection (CND) and Modified Radical Neck Dissection (MRND) should be done in all cases in which lymph node involvement is evident or highly suspicious.Post-operative haemorrhage requiring surgical intervention following thyroidectomy is a dramatic complication and is typically thought to occur within the first 24hrs following surgery. Since the widespread introduction of sutureless thyroidectomy techniques the incidence of this complecation is reduced significantly. However, in the modern era the incidence of delayed haemorrhage has increased.Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is mostly caused by a single adenoma. In 6 – 33% multiglandular disease is present. Although preoperative imaging has no utility in confirming of excluding diagnosis, it is of crucial importance to improve success of (minimal invasive) parathyroidectomy (PTx). Secondary HPT is caused by end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and leads to four-gland hyperplasia, disturbed calcium-phophate homeostasis, increased (cardiovascular) mortality and a decreased quality of life. Since the introduction of the calcimimetic agent cinacalcet in 2004, a shift from surgery towards predominantly medical treatment has occurred without strong evidence. Both treatments have never been compared head-to-head.

Program Topics:
Molecular markers in thyroid cancer and the implementation of the new ATA guidelines in the USA
Impact of the new ATA guidelines to common practice in the Netherlands
Centralisation of endocrine care in France
Multidiciplinary cooperation in the Netherlands
Imaging in hyperparathyroidism
Image guided parathyroid surgery
Delayed hemorrhage with sealing devices  in thyroid surgery
The Rhino trial; cinacalcet versus parathyroid surgery