Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid

Treatment:

Surgical removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) is the initial treatment . Radiation therapy with radioactive iodine may follow surgery. Thyroid replacement therapy may be needed after surgery.

Expectations (prognosis):

Many papillary carcinomas are not associated with a high degree of malignancy. Many people have a normal life expectancy if a diagnosis is made early.

Complications:

• Surgical risks involve inadvertent removal of the parathyroid glands, or damage to nerve tissue of the larynx, which leads to serious complications.
• Rarely, spreading of cancer to lymph nodes or through blood vessels to other sites (metastasis) occurs.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder occur.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have had a thyroidectomy and new symptoms develop, including muscle twitching, cramps, or changes in your voice.