Fact 4. The Influence of Thyroid Cancer Treatments on Fatigue
Fatigue is a complex, multifaceted symptom in the context of thyroid cancer. While it can indeed be a direct result of the disease disrupting thyroid hormone production, fatigue can also be an adverse effect of thyroid cancer treatments. The mainstays of thyroid cancer treatment—surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy—can all contribute to fatigue.
Surgery for thyroid cancer involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland. This procedure, while often necessary, can disrupt the body’s hormone balance, leading to post-surgical fatigue. Moreover, the recovery process itself can be taxing and draining for the body, contributing to feelings of tiredness and lack of energy.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy, while effective in eliminating cancer cells, can also affect healthy cells. This collateral damage can lead to a myriad of side effects, including fatigue. The body needs a substantial amount of energy to repair the damage caused by these treatments, which can leave individuals feeling drained.
Additionally, thyroid cancer patients often need to undergo a therapy called radioactive iodine treatment (RAI). This therapy involves swallowing a pill containing radioactive iodine, which selectively destroys thyroid cells, both normal and cancerous. This treatment can cause temporary hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormones, leading to fatigue. (4)
