Endocrine Surgery

Session Description: Advanced thyroid cancer is often encountered by otolaryngologists specializing in head and neck surgery and occasionally by comprehensive otolaryngologists in the private practice setting. Management of patients with advanced thyroid cancer can be challenging, and there have been substantial changes in the available treatment options in recent years. Making the appropriate diagnosis rapidly is important, and the first goal of this session is to define advanced thyroid cancer and identify the diagnostic studies that are indicated to confirm advanced disease. The second goal is to discuss the specific mutations that can be identified in thyroid cancer and the targeted and nontargeted treatment options that are available depending on the results of molecular testing. Finally, the session will cover aspects of surgical decision making and the role of adjuvant therapy. The session will use case presentations to illustrate state-of-the-art management of patients with advanced thyroid cancer. Outcome Objectives: (1) Define advanced thyroid cancer. (2) Identify the specific mutations that drive advanced disease and corresponding targeted treatment options. (3) Discuss the role of perioperative adjuvant therapy in the management of advanced thyroid cancer.