Fact 10: Treatment Options for Thyroid Cancer
Navigating the various treatment options for thyroid cancer may seem daunting, but with a better understanding of these strategies, it becomes less overwhelming. Treatment plans are often tailored to the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.
The most common form of treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery, which can involve either a total thyroidectomy (removal of the entire thyroid) or a partial thyroidectomy (removal of part of the thyroid). The extent of surgery depends on factors such as the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other areas, and the patient’s overall health.
Following surgery, patients may also receive radioactive iodine treatment. This therapy utilizes the fact that thyroid cells, including cancerous ones, are the only cells in the body that absorb iodine. By ingesting a pill or liquid containing radioactive iodine, any remaining thyroid tissue or thyroid cancer cells will absorb the iodine and be destroyed by the radioactivity.
This treatment is especially beneficial as it targets only thyroid cells, limiting damage to the rest of the body. However, it’s most effective for treating papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, which are usually the most responsive to radioactive iodine treatment.
For more aggressive or advanced cases, other therapies may come into play. These can include external radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. External radiation uses a machine that directs high-energy beams of radiation at precise points on your body, while chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing.
Targeted therapy, a newer form of treatment, uses drugs that specifically attack cancer cells, blocking their growth and division. These treatments are particularly useful in treating medullary thyroid cancer and some advanced forms of differentiated thyroid cancer that no longer respond to radioactive iodine treatment.
It’s essential to understand that these treatment options are not mutually exclusive and can often be used in combination. The goal is always to tailor the treatment plan to the individual patient’s situation, balancing the benefits of treatment against the potential side effects and risks. (10)
