Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid
Treatment:
Treatment of this type of cancer is with surgery to remove the tumor, or radiation therapy, or both. Surgical risks involve inadvertent removal of the parathyroid glands or resection (partial excision) of nerve tissue of the larynx which leads to serious complications.
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.
Expectations (prognosis):
One variety of this cancer, the giant cell type, carries an expected life span of less than 6 months. The small cell variety may have a prognosis (expected life span) of up to 5 years after diagnosis.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if there is persistent hoarseness, changing voice, cough, or coughing up blood.
Picture:
P0629.pctThyroid cancer, CT scan
|
