Fact 11: The Significance of Surgery in MTC
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Surgery holds a paramount position in the management of MTC. Often, it is the first-line treatment and is frequently curative, especially for localized disease. The extent of surgery depends on several factors such as the size of the tumor, its spread, and the patient’s overall health.
Typically, total thyroidectomy, the complete removal of the thyroid gland, is performed. Depending on the extent of the disease, lymph nodes in the neck may also need to be removed, a procedure known as a neck dissection.
Post-operative surveillance is crucial to monitor for any signs of recurrence. The levels of biomarkers, like calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), are routinely checked to ensure the disease hasn’t made a comeback. (11)
