Fact 7: The Centrality of Surgery in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Treatment
In the therapeutic landscape of PTC, surgery holds the key. It’s often the initial and most crucial step, providing a robust foundation for further treatment if required. Typically, this involves the complete removal of the thyroid gland, a procedure termed a ‘total thyroidectomy.’ This approach allows for the comprehensive eradication of cancer, diminishing the likelihood of recurrence.
A total thyroidectomy, although thorough, might not be universally suitable. The disease’s progression, the patient’s overall health, and potential complications factor into the suitability of this procedure. When the disease is localized, confined to one part of the gland, a lobectomy may be performed. This involves the excision of only the affected lobe of the thyroid gland, preserving the rest of the organ.
Post-surgical care is paramount. The thyroid gland, despite its small size, performs essential functions, primarily regulating the body’s metabolism. Its removal, therefore, has significant implications. Patients are usually prescribed daily thyroid hormone therapy following a total thyroidectomy or a lobectomy. This compensates for the absence of naturally occurring thyroid hormones, preventing hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by insufficient thyroid hormones in the body.
Additionally, the thyroid hormone therapy is designed to suppress the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland. Since TSH can stimulate the growth of any lingering cancer cells, its suppression forms a key part of preventive care, warding off potential recurrence. (7)
