The good news is that thyroid cancer is treatable. There are many ways of treating it depending on the stage and type of the disease, the patient’s demographic, and the patient’s choice. However, after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, do not proceed to treatment so immediately. The patient may want to get a second opinion regarding the diagnosis and the treatment. Most doctors sometimes suggest considering getting a second opinion. It may take a little more time and cost you a little more money but it is worth it. Certainty is compulsory because we are talking about a life here.
After the patient has made up his mind regarding the treatment he wants, the oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer, may form a team of experts which includes surgeons and endocrinologists. They will take care of the patient in the duration of your treatment and recovery.
Thyroid cancer patients have numerous treatment options. Among these are:
Surgery
This is the most common procedure in treating thyroid cancer. There are many types of surgery and it depends on the stage and type of cancer and the patient’s age.
*lobectomy – the lobe (a part of the thyroid) with the malignant nodule will be removed.
*total thyroidectomy – through an incision in the neck, the entire thyroid is removed.
Most patients who underwent either surgery take thyroid hormone pills. Remember, the thyroid produces a hormone that regulates the body’s metabolism so it needs a replacement to do the work of the natural hormone.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Also known as radioiodine therapy, this treatment uses radioactive iodine (I-131) to demolish thyroid cancer cells. These often comes in liquid or capsule forms in a small dose. The body absorbs I-131. Radioactive iodine kills thyroid cancer cells when they absorb it.
External Radiation Therapy
External radiation therapy or radiotherapy uses a machine that kills cancer cells with high-energy rays directly on the affected part of the neck . This procedure is often done to treat patients whose cancer did not respond to radioiodine therapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy refers to the use of cytotoxic drugs to treat cancer. These chemical substances enter the bloodstream. It is also very effective but comes with nasty side effects.