Thyroid Cancer: Surgical Options

Newswise — Gerard M. Doherty, M.D., N.W. Thompson Professor of Surgery at the University of Michigan, will speak on surgical management strategies for thyroid cancer in a session held from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2009 in Americana 3, 2rd level at the American Thyroid Association's National Thyroid Cancer Workshop II to be held January 23 " 24, 2009 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida. He will participate in a Question & Answer session at 9:30 a.m. in the same meeting room.

Of critical concern for Dr. Doherty is preoperative planning, determining the extent of surgery and avoiding central neck morbidity.

"After removing the primary tumor and disease extensions beyond the thyroid capsule, accurate disease staging, radioiodine therapy where appropriate, minimizing risk of recurrence and metastasis, it is most important to limit disease and treatment-related morbidity and mortality," explained Dr. Doherty.

He will discuss the pros and cons for total thyroidectomy versus thyroid lobectomy and explain techniques for minimizing morbidity in the central neck.

Members of the media can find additional information at the ATA's Media Room, the Lucina Room, 3rd floor, Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is the lead organization in promoting thyroid health and understanding thyroid biology. The ATA values scientific inquiry, clinical excellence, public service, education, collaboration, and collegiality. ATA members are physicians and scientists who work to enhance the understanding of thyroid physiology and pathophysiology, improve diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases, and promote the education of physicians, patients, and the public about thyroid cancer. Thyroid diseases are the most disorders of the endocrine system, affecting almost 13 million Americans.