Thyroid cancer

Alternative names:

cancer of the thyroid; follicular tumor of the thyroid; tumor - thyroid

Treatment:

Treatment varies depending on the type of tumor.

A partial or total surgical resection of the thyroid gland with resection of lymph nodes or radical neck dissection may be necessary.

Radiation therapy with radioactive iodine is sometimes used.

If the tumor is accompanied by hyperthyroidism, thyroid stimulation hormone suppression, in combination with beta-blockers (propranolol), may increase tolerance for surgery or radiation therapy.

Limited chemotherapy may be used for widespread metastasis (spreading) of tumor.

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):

Anaplastic carcinoma has the worst prognosis (probable outcome). One variety of this cancer, the giant cell type, cares an expected life span of less than 6 months after diagnosis. The small cell variety may have an expected life span of up to 5 years after diagnosis.

Follicular carcinomas are often fast growing and may invade other tissues, but the probable outcome is still good.

The outcome with medullary carcinoma varies. Women under 40 years old have a better chance of a good outcome. The 10-year survival rate (number of people who live at least 10 years after diagnosis) is 46%.

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

Complications:

• inadvertent removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery
• metastasis of the lung or other body tissues or organs

Calling your health care provider:

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

Also call if symptoms worsen during treatment.