Photo Credit: desertcid/ShutterShock

Text Size:

Understanding your treatment options is one of the important things you'll do once you’re diagnosed. You'll work with your doctor to evaluate the options that are best for you:

National Cancer Institute: Thyroid Cancer Treatment

On the whole, thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer, but it is still cancer and you are likely to be feeling a range of emotions now. That’s normal. You also may find that your family members and friends are worried and may need your help in understanding more about thyroid cancer and what to expect. These resources can help right now:

• ThyCa.com: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.
• National Cancer Institute: Thyroid Cancer - Sources of Support

Types of Treatment

• Surgery
  Thyroidectomy is the removal of the thyroid, which is a common way to get rid of early-stage thyroid cancer. Some surgeries are less drastic, removing lobes or portions of the thyroid:
  National Cancer Institute: Thyroid Cancer - Surgery
• Hormone Therapy
  After surgery you will likely need replacement thyroid hormone:
  • EveryDayHealth: Hormone Therapy
  • National Cancer Institute: Thyroid Hormone Treatment
• Radioactive Iodine Therapy & Radiation Therapy 
  These two treatments kill off any cancer cells that remain after surgery:
  • National Cancer Institute: Thyroid Cancer - Treatment: Radioactive Iodine Therapy
  • American Cancer Society: Thyroid Cancer - Radioactive Iodine (Radioiodine) Therapy
  • National Cancer Institute: External Radiation Therapy
• ChemotherapyChemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells:
  • National Cancer Institute: Thyroid Cancer - Chemotherapy

Possible Treatment Side Effects

All forms of thyroid treatment come with the risk of side effects. Some are mild, such as an uncomfortable feeling after surgery. Others are more serious. Some patients will become ill from chemotherapy, for example. Knowing about the possible side effects is necessary to help you make an informed decision about which treatment is right for you:

Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association: Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

New Therapies

Lasers, which work similarly to radiation therapy, are being used in cancer treatment:

National Cancer Institute: Lasers in Cancer Treatment - Q & A

 

You may want to read up on the latest results of recent research to see if there are options for treatment you'll want to consider with your doctor:

National Cancer Institute: Clinical Trials Results

Recovery

Life as a cancer survivor is sometimes made easier by talking to others who've been through what you have. Tap into the many sources of support and information out there to help:

• Dailystrength.org: Thyroid Cancer Support Group
• ThyCA.org: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association
• National Cancer Institute: Thyroid Cancer - Follow-up Care

For more information on thyroid cancer treatmetn options check out Thryoid Cancer Treatment Options from the Survivors Club.

Comments / Post a comment