Thyroid cancer is a relatively rare cancer affecting the thyroid gland. This gland is located in the neck, just below Adam's apple, and is responsible for producing hormones that help regulate metabolism. Treatment for thyroid cancer typically involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, followed by radiation therapy and hormone therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
You may be wondering which treatment option is right for you if you are diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Here, we will discuss the various treatment options for thyroid cancer and discuss some factors to consider when deciding which approach is best for you.
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Treatment Options for Thyroid Cancer
Surgery
It is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. The extent of surgery will depend on the size and location of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
The two most common surgical procedures for thyroid cancer are:
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Lobectomy: This involves removing only the lobe of the thyroid gland that contains the tumor.
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Total thyroidectomy: This process involves removing the entire thyroid gland.
Studies have shown that total thyroidectomy is associated with a lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to lobectomy. However, total thyroidectomy may also increase the risk of complications such as hypoparathyroidism and vocal cord paralysis.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is the therapy that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. This treatment is typically reserved for cases where surgery is not an option or when there is a high risk of cancer recurrence after surgery.
There are two types of radiation therapy:
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External beam radiation therapy: This involves directing radiation at the cancerous tissue from outside the body.
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Radioactive iodine therapy: This involves taking a pill or liquid containing radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by thyroid cells and destroys them from the inside. Radioactive iodine therapy is most commonly used to treat thyroid cancer that has spread beyond the thyroid gland. This treatment is effective because thyroid cells are the only cells in the body that absorb iodine.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy involves taking thyroid hormone replacement medication. This treatment aims to suppress the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which can stimulate the growth of thyroid cancer cells.
Hormone therapy is typically used in combination with surgery and radiation therapy. Studies have shown that patients who receive hormone therapy after surgery have a lower risk of cancer recurrence than those who do not.
Factors to Consider When Deciding the Right Treatment Option
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Cancer stage: The stage of your cancer (i.e., how advanced it is) will play a major role in determining the best course of treatment.
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Age: Younger patients may be better candidates for aggressive treatment, while older patients may benefit from more conservative approaches.
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Health status: Your overall health and any other medical conditions you may have will also need to be considered when determining the best treatment approach.
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Personal preferences: You may have personal preferences regarding your treatment, such as a desire to avoid surgery or radiation therapy.
Conclusion
Thyroid cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer, but it can be effectively treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. The best treatment approach will depend on several factors, including the stage of your cancer, age, health status, and personal preferences. It is essential to work closely with your healthcare team to determine the best course of treatment for you.