The new S3 guideline on thyroid cancer, published as part of the oncology guideline program, summarizes the current evidence on diagnostics, therapy and aftercare for the first time. Under the leadership of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV), the German Society for Endocrinology (DGE) and the German Society for Nuclear Medicine (DGN), and with the participation of 21 specialist societies, a comprehensive set of rules has been created to standardize treatment standards and improve the quality of care. The guideline was financed by German Cancer Aid.

Thyroid carcinomas are rare, with around 6,000 new cases in Germany in 2022, with women being affected more frequently than men. The prognosis is favorable with a 5-year survival rate of 94% for women and 88% for men, but varies depending on the type and stage of the tumor. At 65 percent, papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type, followed by follicular, medullary and the rare, highly aggressive anaplastic carcinoma.

The guideline recommends surgical tumor removal as a central treatment, ideally in specialized centers by experienced surgeons, as a higher number of cases improves the quality of the outcome. Referral to such centers is particularly emphasized for children and adolescents. The guideline also makes clear recommendations for cases in which complete thyroidectomy is not necessary, as well as for the use of radioiodine therapy, which can be used as a supportive, curative or palliative treatment for iodine-accumulating tumors such as papillary or follicular carcinoma.

Follow-up care should cover at least ten years, as recurrences and metastases can occur even years later. Regular neck scans are essential, especially every six months for the first five years, and annually thereafter. The guideline provides specific recommendations for medullary and anaplastic carcinomas, which each account for around five percent of cases. Medullary carcinoma can only be cured surgically, while anaplastic carcinoma requires rapid action.

The guideline aims to minimize treatment errors, ensure patient safety and provide transparent information to those affected. It strengthens the basis for high-quality, standardized thyroid cancer care in Germany.

Original Paper:

Thyroid carcinoma

Editorial office: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender note. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple references and gendered designations are avoided for the sake of better readability ected.