Thyroid Cancer

In this article, we endeavor to clarify the role of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of ATC; we note important contributions of the historical literature, and we review more contemporary strategies adopted by several renowned institutions.
• Toward Improved Outcomes in Patients With Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
• Time to Change the Treatment Paradigms in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma

This review highlights novel targeted agents for the treatment of differentiated and medullary thyroid cancers being studied at this time, and the results of recently published trials.
• Radioiodine-Resistant Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Hope for the Future
• Thyroid Cancer Update: Dramatic Changes in the Treatment of a Rare Disease

The aim of this article is to address the current controversies surrounding the management of low-risk papillary thyroid cancer in light of the current literature and to provide an analysis of contemporary opinions and recommendations for initial therapy.
• Risk-Adapted Treatment Recommendations for Early-Stage Thyroid Cancer
• Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Perceptions
• Prophylactic Central Lymph Node Dissection: Continued Controversy

In part 2, we address risk assessment and staging, findings that suggest the presence of aggressive tumors, recurrent/metastatic disease, and treatment with chemotherapy and external-beam radiotherapy. Experimental treatments utilizing molecular targets, redifferentiation agents, and gene therapy are covered briefly as well.
• Commentary (Mazzaferri)

Part 1 of this two-part article describes in detail the distinct types of thyroid cancer, as well as risk factors, outcomes, and prognostic factors, with a focus on thyroid cancers of follicular cell origin.

A 45-year-old woman presented with severe back pain. After radiological and physical examination, the patient was found to have nephrolithiasis with marked hypercalcemia. In addition, a palpable mass in the right side of the neck was encountered. Surgical resection of the mass was performed.

A 28-year-old male has suffered from fever of unknown origin, high blood pressure, diarrhea, and rapid heart rate for several years. Examination revealed enlarged cervical lymph nodes and thyroid nodularity. A biopsy was taken, as were several blood tests. After determining he carried a specific genetic mutation he was diagnosed with Sipple syndrome (MEN-2B).

A 21-year-old woman developed the photosensitive facial rash depicted along with polyarticular arthralgias. Laboratory investigation revealed anemia, leukopenia, a positive antinuclear antibody test (1:1024), and the presence of anti–double-stranded DNA antibodies.