Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
03:55
Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
Filling a void: thyroid cancer surgery information on the internet
Heather Yeo1, Sanziana Roman, Mamie Air
1Department of Surgery, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
World Journal of Surgery
|April 21, 2007
Summary
Online thyroid cancer surgery information is often incomplete and outdated. Researchers found no predictors of quality, highlighting a need for better regulation and surgeon involvement to improve patient resources.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Thyroid cancer incidence is rising globally.
- Patients increasingly rely on the internet for health information.
- Assessing the quality of online thyroid cancer surgery resources is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the quality of thyroid cancer surgery information available online.
- To identify factors that predict the quality of these websites.
Main Methods:
- The 50 most popular thyroid cancer websites were identified via major search engines.
- A 55-point assessment tool, based on clinical guidelines, was developed.
- Five blinded endocrine surgeons evaluated website content, with quality correlated to website demographics.
Main Results:
- Excellent inter-rater reliability (kappa = 0.81) was achieved.
- Overall website quality averaged 38%, with surgical content quality at 29%.
- Key surgical topics like lymphadenectomy (42%), potential complications (42-44%), and surgeon selection (20%) were poorly covered. Only 38% of sites were updated within two years.
Conclusions:
- Online information regarding thyroid cancer surgery is largely deficient and not current.
- No website characteristics were found to predict information quality.
- There is a critical need to enhance the regulation and content of online thyroid cancer surgery resources, with potential for surgeon contributions.
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:27Goiter
Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...