In addition to its physical symptoms, thyroid cancer can also cause a host of other health problems. While there is currently no cure for thyroid cancer, it is possible to manage it with the help of medications and other measures. If you are prone to thyroid problems, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. In many cases, thyroid cancer can develop as early as five years after exposure to certain factors. You can also check your thyroid gland to make sure it is functioning properly.
Surgical resection is not an option for thyroid cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body. In such cases, cancer treatments are often used as adjuvant therapy. Treatment options for distant thyroid metastases may include radioactive iodine or external beam radiation. Other cancer-related treatments include systemic targeted therapy and bone strengthening medications. If you have metastasized thyroid cancer to the bones, you may experience bone pain and fractures. Treatment options include external beam radiation or systemic targeted therapy.
Thyroid cancer begins in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland that lies inside the lower front part of the neck. Thyroid hormones regulate several body functions and are essential for metabolism. Cancer occurs when thyroid cells grow abnormally and multiply in an uncontrolled way. In most cases, this cancer can be successfully treated if caught early. This is because thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. It is also highly curable, which means you can expect a five-year survival rate of over 98 percent.
After a diagnosis of thyroid cancer, your general practitioner will organise tests to check for any symptoms. If the tests do not rule out cancer, the specialist will discuss treatment options with a multidisciplinary team. Throughout your treatment, you may need to see a head and neck surgeon, radiation oncologist, and other health professionals. The people you see depend on where your cancer has spread. You should seek support from friends and family members and proactively engage with your health insurance provider.
There are two types of thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type and makes up approximately 80 percent of all thyroid cancers. It grows slowly and may spread to lymph nodes in the neck. Treatment for papillary thyroid cancer is generally successful, and most patients are cured with a thorough initial operation. Other patients may also require radioactive iodine therapy. Most patients have a long-term survival after treatment, and are considered “good candidates” for surgery.
Radioactive iodine is another treatment option for thyroid cancer. This type of treatment involves the ingestion of radioactive iodine, which destroys the cancer cells in the affected thyroid gland. The treatment is not harmful for fertility. It may cause dry mouth, neck pain, and swelling, but it doesn’t affect the ability to conceive. It also does not affect body weight or hair. During your treatment, you may be given a small test dose of radioactive iodine to determine whether your tumor is accepting the radiation.
