What are the treatment options for thyroid cancer?

CK3160 
Created at May 04, 2009 02:27:18 
  94   0   0  

Because of advances in diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer, a longer and better life is possible for patients today. Treatment planning takes into account the type of thyroid cancer and the stage of the disease as well as the general health and age of the patient.  Four types of treatments may be used:

Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer.  The goal of the surgery is to completely remove the tumor and a safe margin of the tissue around it.  Depending on the outcome of the surgery, the doctor may also recommend other therapy, often including radioiodine, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

After surgery to remove the thyroid, all patients need to be treated with replacement thyroid hormone (L-thyroxine, sold under the brand names of Synthroid, Levothroid, Levoxyl and others).  This treatment is aimed not only at replacing the hormone that would normally be made from the thyroid gland, but also at suppressing the levels of other hormones in the body that would normally stimulate the thyroid gland to grow and produce hormones.

Radioiodine is a radioactive form of the mineral iodine, which is present in many foods, such as iodized salt and shellfish.  Because the thyroid is the only gland in the body that stores iodine, cancer of the gland can be treated with radioiodine, which allows the delivery of a killing dose of radioactivity only to the cells that uptake and store this compound.  In many cases, this will kill any thyroid cells not removed by surgery, including any normal cells and any cancer cells.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop their growth. Radiation therapy is generally given in the outpatient department of a hospital or clinic. Most often, patients receive radiation therapy five days a week for five to six weeks.

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Some drugs are given by mouth; others are injected into a blood vessel or muscle. The drugs travel through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles: a treatment period followed by a rest period, then another treatment period, and so on.

Patients may also want to talk with the doctor about taking part in a research study, called a clinical trial, involving new treatment methods.



Tags: Cancer Therapy Diagnosis Genetic Aspect Hypothyroid IRB Ibuprofen L-thyroxine Levothroid Levoxyl Medication National Cancer Institute Oil Radiation Therapy Radioiodine Thyroid Gland Thyroid Hormone Share on Facebook Share on X

◀ PREVIOUS
How do you diagnose thyroid cancer?

▶ NEXT
What are the side effects of treatment for thyroid cancer?

  Comments 0
OTHER POSTS IN THE SAME CATEGORY

What are the side effects of treatment for Colorectal Cancer?

(created at May 04, 2009)

What should I know before surgery for Colorectal Cancer?

(created at May 04, 2009)

Biological Therapy for Colorectal Cancer

(created at May 04, 2009)

Radiation Therapy for Colorectal Cancer

(created at May 04, 2009)

Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer

(created at May 04, 2009)

Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

(created at May 04, 2009)

What do I need to know about the treatment for colorectal cancer?

(created at May 04, 2009)

How will I be diagnosed for colorectal cancer?

(created at May 04, 2009)

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

What can I do to detect it?

(created at May 04, 2009)

The risk factors for developing colorectal cancer?

(created at May 04, 2009)

How do I prevent colon-rectal (colorectal) cancer?

(created at May 04, 2009)

Understanding Colorectal Cancer: A Vital Insight

(updated at Mar 02, 2024)

What should I ask my doctor when diagnosed with thyroid cancer?

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

What are the side effects of treatment for thyroid cancer?

(created at May 04, 2009)

How do you diagnose thyroid cancer?

(created at May 04, 2009)

Decoding Thyroid Cancer: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

(updated at Mar 02, 2024)

What are the causes and risk factors of thyroid cancer?

(created at May 04, 2009)

What should I ask my doctor when diagnosed with endocrine cancer?

(created at May 04, 2009)

What are the side effects of treatment for Endocrine Cancer?

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

What are the treatment options for endocrine cancer?

(created at May 04, 2009)

How do you diagnose endocrine cancer?

(created at May 04, 2009)

Understanding the Symptoms of Endocrine Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide

(updated at Mar 02, 2024)

Unveiling the Causes and Risk Factors of Endocrine Cancer: What You Need to Know

(updated at Mar 02, 2024)

Surgery for Spine Tumors

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

Precision Treatment: Understanding Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Tumors

(updated at Mar 02, 2024)

Gamma Knife & Stereotactic Radiosurgery

(created at May 04, 2009)

Exploring Chemotherapy: A Powerful Weapon Against Cancer

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

Essential Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Brain Cancer Treatment

(updated at Mar 02, 2024)

Understanding the Side Effects of Brain Tumor Treatment

(updated at Mar 02, 2024)

UPDATES

Mastering the Art of Driving in High Heels: A Closer Look

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

Navigating the Realm of Copyright: Safeguarding Creativity in the Digital Age

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

Understanding Copyright - Safeguarding Creative Works

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

Creative Ways to Gift Concert Tickets When You Haven't Received Them Yet

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

What about feature walls—are they still allowed by the ‘design police’?

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

Is there any way to prevent chicken pox?

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

Protecting Your Bundle of Joy - Tips to Prevent Scabies in Babies

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

How should I treat ringworm?

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

Navigating International Travel with Your Baby: Insect-Related Concerns

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

Allergies and Asthma in Children

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

How to Treat Hives in Your Baby

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

Dipping Safely: Strategies to Prevent and Reduce Swimmer's Itch

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

Navigating Clinical Trial Decisions for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

What are the risk factors for head and neck cancers?

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

A test for Lyme disease

(updated at Dec 03, 2024)

How long do I have to take antibiotics for sinus treatment?

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

How to avoid tick bites?

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

What is Sexual Harassment? It's Never Okay!

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

How do I know if I have got Lyme disease?

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

Lyme disease in domestic animals

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

Understanding Vulvar Cancer Diagnosis: What to Expect

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

Finding the Perfect High Heels for Wide Feet

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

Exploring Three Vulvar Cancer Treatments

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

Navigating Ovarian Cancer Treatment - Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

Treatment for precancerous lesions

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

Balancing Act: Understanding the Side Effects of Biological Therapy in Stomach Cancer Treatment

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

The Looming Threat: Stomach Cancer and its Ties to Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

The Silent Threat: Arsenic and its Link to Liver Cancer

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

Treatment for Liver Cancer? What should I ask?

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)

The Link Between Diet and Stomach Cancer

(updated at Dec 01, 2024)