ABSTRACT
This chapter presents ten pearls of wisdom for general practitioners (GPs) for better care of patients with thyroid disorders and for more efficient use of resources. These pearls have been acquired from years of experience and evidence-based study by specialists in the field. Although benign thyroid nodules are common, thyroid cancers are rare. Thyroid cancer incidence has increased due to the increased detection of clinically silent papillary microcarcinomas which have been reported in 10" of adults at post-mortem. The chapter also presents advice on diagnoses often overlooked by GPs while handling patients with thyroid disorders. Diagnoses of the following diseases/disorders are recommended: subacute thyroiditis, amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction, and post-partum thyroiditis. The diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism is based on clinical features supported by biochemical evidence of elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low or normal free thyroxine (T4). The chapter provides guidance on how to distinguish tricky differentials and finally a few tips on prescribing medications for these patients.
