3. Thyroid Hormone Therapy – A Two-Pronged Strike Against Cancer
Thyroid hormone therapy might be initiated after thyroid surgery to perform two critical functions. Firstly, it replenishes the lack of thyroid hormone production resulting from the removal of the thyroid gland. Secondly, it inhibits the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland, which could potentially stimulate the growth of any remaining cancer cells.
Thyroid hormone therapy involves taking the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine daily. This medication effectively replicates the function of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, ensuring the body’s metabolism continues to function normally after the thyroid gland’s removal.
This therapy also works as a preventative measure against the recurrence of thyroid cancer. By maintaining low levels of TSH, it minimizes the chances of any residual cancer cells multiplying and causing a relapse. As this treatment is crucial to both the patient’s recovery and prevention of recurrence, it’s usually a long-term – often lifelong – commitment. (3)
