About effectively treating thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland located in the front, lower portion of the neck. While anyone can develop thyroid cancer, Medline Plus states that certain groups of people are at higher risk for the health condition. These include:
- Individuals between the ages of 25 and 65
- Individuals who have undergone radiation treatments
- Women
- Individuals of Asian descent
- Genetics
- Chronic goitre
Surgery is the most commonly used method for treating cancer of the thyroid gland. The different types of thyroid surgeries include:
- Lymphadenectomy – Extraction of cancerous lymph nodes in the neck.
- Thyroid lobectomy – Removal of the lobe that contains cancerous cells.
- Total thyroidectomy – Complete removal of the thyroid.
- Near-total thyroidectomy – Removal of most of the thyroid.
A thyroid surgeon will be able to determine the most appropriate treatment plan if it is found that you have thyroid cancer or any other thyroid condition. On that note, keep in mind that many thyroid conditions are non-cancerous and can be treated with less invasive methods.
Additional treatment methods for cancer of the thyroid include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and thyroid hormone therapy. In many cases, individuals are able to beat cancer by taking drugs designed to attack cancerous cells without affecting the healthy cells of the body. Other forms of therapy stop cancerous cells from multiplying. The type of treatment that will work best for you will depend on variables including how extensive the cancer is.
In addition to seeking the professional guidance and care of an ENT specialist in Sydney, you can seek the emotional support that you may need through cancer support groups. It is also important to continue taking thyroid hormone replacement medications after surgery and to maintain a healthy lifestyle so that you are able to optimize your overall health.
If you have questions about thyroid cancer, contact your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.
