Any type of cancer diagnosis is scary. If you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, it’s important to know that you have options and the disease is treatable. The five-year survival rate for the most common types of thyroid cancer is higher than 90 percent!
How is thyroid cancer treated?
After you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and the type and stage have been identified, it’s time to start treatment. Depending on the type, stage and whether the thyroid cancer has spread to other areas, you may be recommended one or more of the following treatment methods:
- Thyroidectomy
Depending on the type of cancer and how large the growth is, a thyroidectomy may be recommended by an endocrine surgeon. All or part of the thyroid may be removed to treat the cancer. If the cancer has spread to the surrounding lymph nodes, those would be surgically removed also. - Hormone Therapy
If needed, your physician may recommend hormone therapy to stop your body from producing hormones that cause your thyroid cancer to grow or spread more quickly. - Radioactive Iodine
If your type of thyroid cancer is at risk of spreading, radioactive iodine may be a treatment option. When swallowed, radioactive iodine is absorbed mostly by the thyroid and cancer cells, which kills the diseased gland. Radioactive iodine is a treatment option for some, but not all, types of thyroid cancers. - Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can be used to kill the thyroid cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This treatment option is often suggested if your cancer has spread, or metastasized, outside of your thyroid gland. - Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used to treat many different types of cancer, and is used to treat thyroid cancers that grow quickly. This treatment may be done in combination with surgery or radiation therapy to reach the most effective outcome.
Who is on your treatment team for thyroid cancer?
A team including an endocrinologist, a surgeon and in some situations, a medical or radiation oncologist will make a personalized treatment plan. The clinicians on your care team will take into account the type and stage of your cancer, as well as your overall health, before recommending treatments.
How to choose a treatment for thyroid cancer?
The good news about thyroid cancer is that it is treatable. There are several treatment options to choose from, which can be overwhelming. It’s important to communicate with your doctor and care team about the treatment (or combination of treatments) that will be the best for you and your health.
It’s important to understand your diagnosis and the treatments available before making a decision. During your appointments, ask questions about each option, including the benefits and side effects. When considering multiple treatments, it could be helpful to bring along a supportive family member or friend to help you listen and take notes to understand your options.
Why Choose NGMC?
Thyroid cancer is treatable and generally has a positive prognosis. Each treatment option has benefits and side effects. It’s important to discuss them with your physicians to determine the best plan for you.
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The care team at NGPG General Surgery combined with NGMC Cancer Services offers comprehensive treatment options to fight your cancer – together. If you’re considering surgery to treat your thyroid cancer, schedule an appointment with an expert general surgeon by calling 770-219-9200.