The world over, there is an alarming rise in the prevalence of thyroid cancer, and the UAE as well as the Gulf region as a whole is no exception, noted experts at the ‘Thyroid and Metabolism Symposium’ held at Al Zahra Private Hospital Auditorium, Dubai on Wednesday, 19th July 2017. Gathered to discuss thyroid diseases and the various aspects of its diagnosis and management, the expert speakers and participants deliberated in detail about topics ranging from the genetic impact on thyroid, to the role of surgery and nuclear medicines in treatment.
The symposium started off with the opening remarks of the guest of honor, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faisal Al Qasimi. Dr. Sadir Al Rawi, Director of Surgical Oncology Services, Al Zahra Private Hospital, spoke on the topic ‘Introduction to Thyroids’, giving the participants an overview of the symposium topic. This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Elamin Ibrahim, Senior Specialist Endocrinology at Dubai Hospital titled ‘Thyroid Diseases in the UAE’, taking a closer look at thyroid cancer incidence and preparedness with respect to the UAE. He noted that a population-based study reported the doubling of thyroid cancer incidence worldwide from 2000 to 2012, compared to the preceding decade.
Dr. Said Huwaijah – Interventional Radiologist, Mediclinic Al Ain, spoke on the topic ‘Assesment of Thyroid Lesions’, explaining the imaging approach for accurate diagnosis. Dr. Maryam Matar – Founder & Chairperson of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association (UAEGDA) discussed the ‘Role of Genetics in Thyroid Disorders’. She explained the role and functions of UAEGDA as well as the genetic factors impacting thyroid development. She also touched upon the genetic risk factors for thyroid cancer and stressed the need for collaborations of molecular biologists and clinical scientists as well as more integrated approaches. “It is hoped that such knowledge would open the road toward the development of new, targeted, and preventive therapies based on the individual’s particular susceptibility,” Dr. Matar said.
Outlining the ‘Role of Surgery in Thyroid Disorders’, Dr. Suheil Simaan, Consultant Breast and Cancer Surgeon, DHRC Dubai explained the various surgical options for thyroid cancer. Dr. Abdul Rahim Al Suhaily, Consultant in Nuclear Medicine at Dubai Hospital presented the topic ‘Nuclear Medicine & Thyroid Cancer’ and Dr. Belma – Specialist Endocrinologist at Al Zahra Private Hospital spoke about the ‘Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Nodules’.
Sponsored and organized by the office H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faisal Al Qasimi with the support of Al Zahra Private hospital, Dubai, the CME symposium was accredited by DHA.
