Thyroid Cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules are common but usually are not cancer. There are different types of thyroid cancer and age, gender, and being exposed to radiation can affect the risk of thyroid cancer. Medullary thyroid cancer is sometimes caused by a change in a gene that is passed from parent to child. The signs of this cancer include a swelling or lump in the neck and it can be diagnosed through tests that examine the thyroid, neck, and blood. Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

Thyroid Cancer

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Your Treatment Plan:

A dedicated team will recommend the optimal treatment based on your thyroid cancer type. For instance:

– Papillary and follicular carcinomas may be treated with surgery followed by radioactive iodine.

– Medullary thyroid carcinoma often involves surgery followed by radiotherapy.

– Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma may not be amenable to surgery, but symptoms can be managed with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Thyroid cancer

Surgery:

Surgery is typically the initial treatment for most thyroid cancer types, involving the removal of part or the entire thyroid, along with nearby lymph glands. The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia, and most individuals can leave the hospital within a few days, with a small neck scar that diminishes over time.

Radioactive Iodine Treatment:

Following surgery, a course of radioactive iodine treatment is often recommended to eliminate residual cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Dietary modifications, such as reducing iodine intake, are advised for a more effective treatment. Women are advised to avoid pregnancy for at least 6 months after treatment.

Targeted Therapies:

Targeted therapies like Cabozantinib, Lenvatinib, and Sorafenib are increasingly utilized to specifically target cancer cells, minimizing harm to healthy cells. These may be recommended for metastatic thyroid cancer unresponsive to radioactive iodine.

External Radiotherapy:

If radioactive iodine is unsuitable or ineffective, external radiotherapy may be employed post-surgery to decrease the risk of cancer recurrence. It can also control symptoms of advanced thyroid carcinomas. Treatment typically spans 4 to 6 weeks, with side effects like nausea, tiredness, pain when swallowing, and dry mouth, which usually subside after treatment.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is infrequently used for thyroid cancer but may be considered for anaplastic thyroid carcinomas that have spread. While not curative, it can help manage symptoms.

Follow-Up Tests:

Regular check-ups are imperative to monitor potential recurrence. Tests may include blood tests, ultrasound scans to examine the neck, and radioisotope scans highlighting cancerous thyroid cells. The frequency of these tests may decrease over time, but repeat treatment might be necessary if cancer recurs.

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