The Asian Thyroid Working Group, from 2017 to 2023

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• The Asian Thyroid Working Group was established in 2017 to address unique challenges in Asian thyroid nodule practice.
• Western diagnostic and clinical guidelines for thyroid nodules often do not align with Asian healthcare contexts and patient values.
• Asian medical practice prioritizes patient-centered care and resource management, contrasting with Western defensive medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize thyroid nodule practice in Asia.
• To establish strict diagnostic criteria for thyroid carcinomas and a reporting system for fine needle aspiration cytology.
• To develop new clinical guidelines for conservative Asian thyroid nodule management based on Asian patient data.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of activities from the Asian Thyroid Working Group (2017-2023).
• Analysis of cultural and clinical factors influencing thyroid nodule practice in Asia versus the West.
• Development of evidence-based guidelines tailored for Asian populations.

Main Results:

• Significant diversity exists in thyroid nodule practice between Asia and Western countries.
• Asian practice incorporates principles of filial piety and patient-centered care, influencing diagnostic and management strategies.
• Emphasis on resource management to mitigate overdiagnosis of low-risk thyroid carcinomas.

Conclusions:

• The Asian Thyroid Working Group has significantly modified Western systems to create culturally and clinically appropriate thyroid nodule practice guidelines for Asia.
• These guidelines aim to improve diagnostic accuracy, patient care, and resource allocation in managing thyroid nodules and carcinomas.
• The work highlights the importance of adapting international medical standards to local contexts and patient values.