Multidisciplinary team (MDT) for thyroid cancer
What is a multidisciplinary team (MDT)?
If you have thyroid cancer, a team of specialists will meet to talk about the best treatment for you. They are called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
The MDT look at national treatment guidelines or the latest evidence for the type of cancer you have. If you have any treatment preferences, your doctor will tell them about this.
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Who will be in my MDT?
The MDT for thyroid cancer will usually include the following professionals:
- Surgeon – a doctor who does operations (surgery).
- Oncologist – a cancer doctor who specialises in radiation treatments, chemotherapy and targeted therapy
- Endocrinologist – a doctor who treats problems with the endocrine system and hormones.
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS) – a nurse who gives information about cancer, and support during treatment.
- Radiologist – a doctor who looks at scans and x-rays to diagnose problems.
- Physicist – a radiation expert who helps plan your treatment and work out the amount of radiation you need and the best way of giving it.
- Pathologist – a doctor who looks at cells or body tissue under a microscope to diagnose cancer.
It may also include other healthcare professionals, such as:
- a speech and language therapist – someone who gives information and support to people who have problems talking and swallowing
- a dietitian – someone who gives information and advice about food and food supplements
- a physiotherapist – someone who gives advice about exercise and mobility
- a psychologist or counsellor – someone who gives advice about managing feelings and behaviours.
After the MDT meeting
After the team have met, you will usually see your cancer doctor and specialist nurse. They will talk to you about your treatment plan. It can help to write down your questions before you see them.
You may want to ask a family member or friend to come with you. They can help remember what is said and talk with you about it afterwards. You need to know as much as possible before you can make any treatment decisions.
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About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our thyroid cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at
informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
National Institute for Health and Care Excellent (NICE). [NG230]. Thyroid cancer: assessment and management. Published: 19 December 2022. Available from: www.nice.org.uk/guidance
Datta, R. British Medical Journal Best Practice Guidelines, Thyroid cancer. 2023. British Medical Journal. Available from: www.bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/263
European Society Medical Oncology (ESMO): Thyroid cancer, Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow-up. 2019. Available from: www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(20)32555-2/fulltext
Date reviewed
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