Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid Cancer Services

Understanding Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck. This gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. Early detection and treatment of thyroid cancer can lead to excellent outcomes. At Advanced Oncology Clinics, we offer comprehensive care for thyroid cancer, providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the thyroid gland begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The main types of thyroid cancer include:

Papillary Thyroid Cancer:

The most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically grows slowly and often spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck.

Follicular Thyroid Cancer:

The second most common type, which tends to spread to distant organs, such as the lungs and bones, rather than the lymph nodes.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer:

A rarer form that arises from the C cells of the thyroid, which produce the hormone calcitonin. Medullary thyroid cancer can be sporadic or inherited as part of genetic syndromes.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer:

A very aggressive and rare type of thyroid cancer that is difficult to treat and often spreads quickly to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, but as the tumor grows, it can lead to:

Lump in the Neck:

A painless lump or swelling in the front of the neck that may gradually increase in size.

Hoarseness or Voice Changes:

Persistent hoarseness or changes in the voice, which may indicate that the tumor is affecting the vocal cords.

Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia):

Trouble swallowing food or liquids, often accompanied by a feeling that something is stuck in the throat.

Neck Pain:

Pain or discomfort in the neck that may radiate to the ears.

Swollen Lymph Nodes:

Swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, which may indicate that the cancer has spread.

Breathing Difficulties:

Shortness of breath or a sensation of choking, especially if the tumor obstructs the airway.

Diagnostic Procedures

At Advanced Oncology Clinics, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect thyroid cancer and determine its stage, which is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan:

Physical Examination:

A thorough examination of the neck and thyroid gland is conducted to check for lumps, swelling, or other abnormalities. This may include palpation of the neck to assess the size and consistency of the thyroid gland.

Ultrasound:

An imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the thyroid gland. Ultrasound is often the first step in evaluating a thyroid nodule and guiding fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy.

Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy:

A minimally invasive procedure in which a thin needle is used to remove a small sample of tissue from the thyroid nodule. The sample is then examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.

Thyroid Function Tests:

Blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can help assess the function of the thyroid gland and guide treatment decisions.

Radioiodine Scan:

A diagnostic test that uses radioactive iodine to assess thyroid function and detect areas of abnormal thyroid tissue. This test is particularly useful for evaluating the spread of certain types of thyroid cancer, such as papillary and follicular thyroid cancer.

CT Scan or MRI:

Advanced imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to evaluate the extent of the cancer and its impact on nearby structures.

Advanced Care Options

Our approach to treating thyroid cancer is comprehensive, offering a range of advanced treatment options tailored to the type and stage of the cancer:

Surgical Options:

Thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland is the primary treatment for most types of thyroid cancer. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, a lobectomy (removal of one lobe) or total thyroidectomy (removal of the entire gland) may be performed.
Lymph Node Dissection: If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, a lymph node dissection may be performed to remove the affected nodes and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Therapy:

Levothyroxine: After thyroid surgery, patients will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal metabolism and prevent hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine also helps suppress the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which can stimulate the growth of any remaining cancer cells.

External Beam Radiation Therapy:

Radiation for Inoperable Tumors: For patients with advanced thyroid cancer that cannot be surgically removed, external beam radiation therapy may be used to target and destroy cancer cells, relieve symptoms, and reduce tumor size.

Targeted Therapy:

Kinase Inhibitors: Drugs that target specific proteins involved in the growth and spread of thyroid cancer cells. Kinase inhibitors are often used for advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer that does not respond to other treatments.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: Anaplastic thyroid cancer is aggressive and often resistant to standard treatments. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with radiation therapy to slow the progression of the disease and manage symptoms.

Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

Early detection and treatment of thyroid cancer offer several benefits, including:

Higher Survival Rates:

The earlier thyroid cancer is detected and treated, the better the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.

More Treatment Options:

Early-stage thyroid cancer can often be treated with less aggressive therapies, improving the patient’s quality of life.

Improved Quality of Life:

Early treatment can reduce the impact of the disease on a patient’s quality of life, allowing for a quicker return to normal activities.

Advanced Care at Advanced Oncology Clinics

At Advanced Oncology Clinics, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for patients with thyroid cancer. Our approach includes:

Personalized Treatment Plans:

We work closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and cancer characteristics.

Multidisciplinary Team:

Our team of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and support staff collaborate to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Supportive Services:

We offer a range of supportive services, including counseling, nutritional guidance, and hormone therapy management, to help patients manage the emotional and physical challenges of thyroid cancer treatment.

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