These cancers often spread to the lymph nodes and lungs. Pediatric patients with papillary cancer generally have a better outcome than adults with this type of cancer. Approximately 40 percent to 60 percent of children with differentiated thyroid cancer will develop papillary cancer. A further 15 to 20 percent will develop recurrent disease. Regardless of stage, treatment options vary for children with thyroid cancer.
After a diagnosis of thyroid cancer is made, a physician will perform a number of tests to determine the presence of the disease. Ultrasound is the standard of care for thyroid examinations. However, MRI scans are useful in detecting the presence of tumors or spreading cancer to distant organs. While an ultrasound is the first choice for most thyroid exams, MRI is an important test that provides detailed images of the soft tissues. Additionally, MRIs are helpful for detecting the spread of cancer to other parts of the body, including the brain and spinal cord.
Thyroid cancer can develop from any type of thyroid cell. However, 90 percent of all cases occur from follicular cells, which produce the hormone that causes the thyroid to produce iodine. The cancer that develops in white blood cells is called lymphoma. The rarer types of thyroid cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and teratomas. These types are very unlikely to progress beyond stage I or II.
Radioactive iodine therapy has a similar effect. While the use of radioactive iodine therapy is more effective than a single dose of surgery, the treatment has risks. Although more than half of thyroid cancer patients respond to this therapy, about 30 percent develop a stable, persistent disease. If this occurs, repeat radioactive iodine is not recommended and increases the risk of side effects. The following symptoms are typical after radioactive iodine treatment.
External radiation is also known to increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Radiation therapy for the head and neck increases the risk of thyroid cancer in children. Diagnostic x-rays have no connection to thyroid cancer, although exposure to radioactive particles during childhood may increase the risk. If you are concerned that you have thyroid cancer, consult your doctor. He will help you decide on the best course of treatment for your particular condition. At the University of Kansas Cancer Center, we provide complete care for patients with thyroid cancer.
A biopsy of the thyroid gland is an important step in detecting thyroid cancer. A physician will ask you about your medical history and any other health conditions that may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer. Several risk factors for developing this condition include having a family history of the disease, taking medications for the disorder, and having thyroid cancer. Additionally, a doctor will check for any enlarged lymph nodes or signs of the disease. This process is very important to determine the cancer’s stage and the most appropriate treatment option.
After surgery for thyroid cancer, radioactive iodine is often prescribed. It is administered through a pill or liquid and destroys the cancer cells. This procedure requires a short hospital stay and may limit your contact with children. Thyroid hormone therapy is another common treatment for thyroid cancer. This therapy allows your body to continue producing thyroid hormones and thyroid stimulating hormones, while reducing the cancer’s growth may be necessary. chemotherapy may also be used as a treatment option for thyroid cancer.
