Comparison of two guidelines on management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Some hormonal and metabolic changes may stimuli normal or neoplastic thyroid cells. Thyroid tumors discovered during pregnancy present unique challenges to both the clinician and the mother. The aim of this article is to compare American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines to Endocrine Society guidelines for management of thyroid tumors during pregnancy. METHOD We reviewed the section of thyroid nodules and cancer of ATA and Endocrine Society guidelines which have been published recently. Both organizations have discussed and given recommendations related to maternal and fetal aspects of thyroid nodules and cancer.  Each topic from either guidelines was compared together and that recommendation which was more complete included in 4 tables. RESULTS There is a high degree of similarity between these two guidelines. Both organizations have discussed and given recommendations related to maternal and fetal aspects of thyroid tumors. Regarding their similarity any of these two guidelines can be used for safe and proper management of women with thyroid tumors during pregnancy. CONCLUSION Regarding their similarity any of these two guidelines can be used by clinicians for safe and proper management of pregnant women with thyroid nodules and cancer.