Thyroid Cancer Treatment

The most important stage in thyroid cancer treatment is the surgical approach. Before surgery, the patient must undergo a detailed examination and diagnostic tests. The size of the tumor, the patient's risk factors, and the condition of the lymph nodes in the neck are crucial in determining the type of surgery. In selected patients with tumors smaller than 1 cm, removing the cancerous half of the thyroid may be sufficient, but the removal of both sections of the thyroid may be necessary. In some patients, removal of lymph nodes in the central or lateral areas of the neck may also be required.

If thyroid cancer is diagnosed early and treated with the correct steps, it can result in a successful outcome. Surgery is the most effective treatment method for thyroid cancer. In addition to surgery, radioactive iodine therapy and radiotherapy can also be applied. Surgical removal of the thyroid gland completely increases the positive results of additional treatments and decreases the likelihood of cancer recurrence.

What is Thyroid Cancer?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, in front of the windpipe. If nodules similar to swelling in this gland turn out to be malignant after tests, it indicates thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer, which is rarely seen, is statistically more common in women. If a young patient is diagnosed with thyroid cancer, the likelihood of a successful treatment outcome is high. The treatment process may vary depending on the type of thyroid cancer.

 

 

Types of Thyroid Cancer

There are four known types of thyroid cancer. These types are: papillary, anaplastic, follicular, and medullary thyroid cancer.

Papillary Type Thyroid Cancer

More than 80% of patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer have the papillary type. While the cause is unknown, it is more commonly seen in women than in men. The general age range of patients with papillary thyroid cancer is between 20 and 50 years old.

In the treatment of papillary thyroid cancer, depending on the size of the tumor and the patient's risk factors, surgery to remove the cancerous half of the thyroid (hemitthyroidectomy) or the whole thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy) may be performed. After surgery, if pathological examination reveals that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or the capsule surrounding the thyroid, or if the tumor diameter is larger than 10 mm, radioactive iodine therapy is administered 6 weeks after surgery. However, if there is a “micro-cancer” smaller than 10 mm, this treatment may not be necessary.

Radioactive iodine therapy helps prevent the recurrence of the disease. If lymph node involvement is detected after surgery, a second surgery is typically performed to remove the lymph nodes. If lymph node involvement is found before surgery, the lymph nodes are removed along with the thyroid gland. Additionally, if the entire thyroid gland is removed, thyroid hormone therapy is also applied. The disease has a favorable prognosis.

Anaplastic Type Thyroid Cancer

This is a very rare form of thyroid cancer. Anaplastic thyroid cancer occurs when malignant nodules in young patients are left untreated, and they grow in their 60s. Surgical intervention is not an option for treating anaplastic thyroid cancer. If deemed appropriate by the doctor, radiotherapy can be used to improve the patient's quality of life.

In anaplastic thyroid cancer, unfortunately, surgical methods cannot be applied. Radiotherapy is used to alleviate the patient's symptoms.

Follicular Type Thyroid Cancer

This is a type of cancer that is quite difficult to diagnose. To determine whether it is follicular thyroid cancer, various tests and examination of the capsule surrounding the cell are required. If the cell passes through the capsule barrier, it is identified as a malignant tumor, and surgery is performed. This type is typically seen in women after their 40s.

In the treatment of follicular thyroid cancer, unlike papillary thyroid cancer, the entire thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy) is removed regardless of the tumor's size. Additionally, radioactive iodine therapy is administered to all patients after surgery, regardless of the size of the cancer. The disease usually has a favorable prognosis.

Medullary Type Thyroid Cancer

Medullary thyroid cancer can be seen at an early age due to genetic transmission, but it can also occur later in life.

In the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer, unlike follicular thyroid cancer, the entire thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy) and the lymph nodes in the neck on the side where the cancer is located are removed. Also, unlike papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, radioactive iodine therapy is not used in this cancer type because the cancer cells do not absorb radioactive iodine. One unique feature of these cancer cells is that they produce calcitonin. Therefore, calcitonin may be used during patient follow-up after surgery. The disease has a favorable prognosis in more than half of patients.

What Causes Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer, which is less common than other types of cancer and more frequent in women, has various causes. These include:

• Genetic factors
• Exposure to high doses of radiation, especially during the developmental stage
• Inadequate iodine intake
• Having had a thyroid-related disease
• Having Down syndrome or Turner syndrome
• Being diabetic (having sugar disease)
• Being of Caucasian or Asian descent (statistically, these ethnicities are more likely to develop thyroid cancer)
• Having given birth or entered menopause (in women)
• Neglecting the follow-up of previously detected nodules

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

There are no specific symptoms for the early diagnosis of thyroid cancer. However, some symptoms may indicate the presence of thyroid cancer. The main symptoms of thyroid cancer include:

• Swelling near the thyroid gland in the neck,
• Difficulty breathing,
• Difficulty swallowing,
• Hoarseness or voice changes,
• Pain in the neck and ear regions,
• Low blood values,
• Weight gain above normal levels,
• Heightened mood,
• Constant fatigue,
• Loss of sexual desire.

How is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

Thyroid cancer surgery may be necessary when a single, hard nodule is detected in the neck, or when a dominant, advanced nodule is found, or when some findings are present during ultrasound and there is swelling in the neck lymph nodes. In case of suspected thyroid cancer, neck ultrasound and biopsy are the most commonly used diagnostic tools.

What is the Treatment for Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer treatment involves the conversion of normal cells in the thyroid into abnormal cells and their treatment through surgical methods and medications. These methods aim to control and eliminate cancerous cells. The treatment for thyroid cancer can positively affect the disease depending on its type, stage, and the patient's health condition.

How Long Does Thyroid Cancer Treatment Take?

The duration of thyroid cancer treatment can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer and the patient’s response to treatment. The treatment duration can differ from person to person. Early-stage cancers are usually treated quickly, while advanced cancers may require longer treatment. In some patients, surgery alone may be sufficient, while others may require a combination of treatment methods.

What Happens if Thyroid Cancer is Not Treated?

If thyroid cancer is not treated, it can progress, spread, and cause other complications. Metastases can occur in other organs such as the lungs, bones, or brain. If left untreated, the disease may progress and cause swelling in the neck lymph nodes. This can shorten the patient’s life expectancy. This is true for all cancers. After treatment, if medications are not neglected, and if a healthy lifestyle is maintained, patients can live a long and healthy life.

Success Rate of Thyroid Cancer Treatment

The success rate of thyroid cancer treatment may vary depending on the patient's condition. In general, thyroid cancer has a high success rate and good results. Thyroid cancers that are diagnosed early are often at lower stages, making them more responsive to treatment. Most early-stage cancers can be treated successfully, and patients continue to live a healthy life. In advanced stages, modern medicine and treatment methods offer positive results as well.

The combination of surgery and radioactive iodine therapy in the treatment of thyroid cancer helps eliminate cancer cells and aids in the patient's recovery. The patient's overall health and response to treatment also affect the success rate. Each patient undergoes a different healing process.

How is Thyroid Cancer Treated?

The treatment of thyroid cancer can vary depending on the patient's cancer type, stage, and age. Early diagnosis and determining the appropriate treatment plan are essential. Once diagnosed, surgery is planned. In the surgical approach, the thyroid gland at the location of the cancerous nodule is removed. Typically, the entire thyroid gland or most of it is removed. After surgery, other treatment methods are applied, and the patient is regularly monitored.

After surgery, some patients may undergo radioactive iodine therapy. In this therapy, the patient is exposed to a specific dose of radioactive iodine depending on the spread of the cancer. The goal is to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, radiotherapy may be applied to patients who do not respond to these treatments.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment Methods

The treatment methods for thyroid cancer include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Detailed information on these methods is provided below.

Thyroid surgery: This involves the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. After diagnosis, the surgical treatment plan is initiated.

Radioactive iodine therapy: This method is used to treat cancer cells remaining in the thyroid after surgery. This therapy targets iodine-deficient thyroid cells and is commonly used in recurrent thyroid cancer treatment.

Radiotherapy: The goal of radiotherapy is to destroy cancer cells with high-energy radiation. It can be applied as an adjunct to surgery or after radioactive iodine therapy to aid in the recovery process.

Hormone therapy: In some thyroid cancer patients, if the thyroid gland is completely removed, the body can no longer produce thyroid hormones. As a result, lifelong hormone supplementation may be required. Regular hormone levels are crucial for the proper functioning of the body.

Thyroid Cancer Surgery

The most effective and common method for thyroid cancer treatment is thyroid cancer surgery. The surgery is performed by accessing the thyroid gland through the neck area. During the surgery, the nodules in the thyroid gland are addressed. The type of surgery depends on the type of thyroid cancer.

Post-Thyroid Cancer Surgery

After thyroid cancer surgery, bleeding and hoarseness may occur. Pain may be felt in the area where the incision was made, and fatigue due to anesthesia is common. Depending on the type of thyroid cancer, radioactive iodine therapy may continue after surgery. For medullary thyroid cancer, radioactive iodine therapy is not applied.