Description

This edition of the Bulletin revisits the subject of thyroid cancer. National Guidelines to the Management of Thyroid Cancer in Adults have just been published by the Royal College of Physicians under the auspices of the British Thyroid Association. Dr Keston Jones reviews the subject within the context of these new Guidelines. Mr David Scott Coombes and Miss Rachel Bell give a surgical perspective of the management of thyroid nodules. We have no doubt that the Guidelines represent a major step forward in the management of thyroid cancer in the UK. The central tenant of the Guidelines is that thyroid cancer requires specialist care from a multidisciplinary team. Clinicians should recognise that the ad hoc management of patients outside a multidisciplinary team is entirely inappropriate. We strongly recommend that readers obtain a copy of the Guidelines and adhere to them in their clinical practice.

Dr Charles Buchanan tackles the complex subject of intersex. Although this is primarily a paediatric subject, familiarity is important. Adult endocrinologists inevitably become involved in the care of patients later in life.

The diabetes section of the Bulletin continues with Dr Steve Thomas and Dr Karen Anthony reviewing the new rapidly acting insulin analogues. This is an exciting area of diabetes development and is definitely one to watch.

Dr Jackie Gilbert continues the neuroendocrinology part of the syllabus by reviewing the important subject of non-functioning pituitary tumours. This is difficult area of clinical practice, particularly from the perspective of what is and what is not a ‘non-functioning’ tumour.

We are particularly pleased to welcome a case report from Dr Tony Coll, who reviews the subject of cranial diabetes insipidus following transsphenoidal surgery. We are very keen to encourage case reports. Remember, the Bulletin is now indexed in EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, so that any published report can be included in your CV!

Dr Ketan Dhatariya, our resident Trainee, writes to us from his new research position at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA. As usual, he is provocative in his comments. There are insights into the US health care system, US post-graduate training, and some financial tips on research fellowships in the US together with a liberal sprinkling of personal comments. We are very keen to develop the Trainees section of the Bulletin. Please write in if you have comments about any aspect of training.

Finally, there is increasing popularity for on-line participation in CME/CPD/CE. As a result, MCQs will only be available on-line to subscribers. This has the advantage of easy accessibility at all times, instant marking and award of credits. Furthermore, a hardcopy certificate to record participation can be downloaded on completion of the MCQ activity. We hope that you will find this new facility to be a valuable complement to your educational activities.