Endocrinol Metab.  2016 Sep;31(3):373-378. 10.3803/EnM.2016.31.3.373.

The Revised 2016 Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines for Thyroid Nodules and Cancers: Differences from the 2015 American Thyroid Association Guidelines

• Yi KH

• KMID: 2352974
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2016.31.3.373

Abstract

Increased detection of thyroid nodules using high-resolution ultrasonography has resulted in a world-wide increase in the incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Despite the steep increase in its incidence, the age-standardized mortality rate of thyroid cancer has remained stable, which leads toward a trend of more conservative treatment. The latest American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines for thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer revised in 2015 suggested that fine needle aspiration biopsy should be performed for thyroid nodules larger than 1 cm and lobectomy might be sufficient for 1 to 4 cm intrathyroidal DTC. In addition, active surveillance instead of immediate surgical treatment was also recommended as a treatment option for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma based on the results of a few observational studies from Japan. The Korean Thyroid Association (KTA) has organized a task force team to develop revised guidelines for thyroid nodules and DTC after an extensive review of articles and intense discussion on whether we should accept the changes in the 2015 ATA guidelines. This paper introduces and discusses the updated major issues and differences in the ATA and the KTA guidelines.

Keyword

Guidelines; Thyroid neoplasms; Thyroid nodule

MeSH Terms

Advisory Committees
Biopsy
Biopsy, Fine-Needle
Incidence
Japan
Mortality
Thyroid Gland*
Thyroid Neoplasms
Thyroid Nodule*
Ultrasonography

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Algorithm used in the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System for malignancy risk stratification based on solidity and echogenicity of thyroid nodules. Adapted from Shin et al. [9]. US, ultrasonography. aMicrocalcification, taller than wide shape, spiculated/microlobulated margin.

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