Thyroid cancer is the accumulation of malignant cells within the thyroid gland. This type of cancer is not common, and people who have a preexisting thyroid disorder generally do not develop cancer. There usually is a low mortality rate associated with this type of cancer. There is what might be considered a cure for thyroid cancer, but the type and success of treatment depends on a patient’s prognosis. Treatments range from surgery to radioactive iodine treatments.
This type of cancer consists of one or multiple thyroid nodules on either side of the gland. Nodules, or cysts, are either filled with fluid or blood. These cysts cause neck swelling, hoarseness and throat pain. Thyroid cancer is attributed to family history, radiation exposure or a goiter. A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland.
A thyroidectomy is often the most common type of cure for thyroid cancer. During a thyroidectomy, a surgeon removes all or a part of the thyroid gland. Cancerous cells and nodules are removed during the surgery. Lymph nodes in the neck might also be removed if cancer is suspected to have spread to that area.
A patient who undergoes a thyroidectomy might have to take hormone replacements for life. Thyroid hormone replacements are necessary to help make up for the lack of hormones in the body as a result of the removal of the thyroid gland. These hormones help regulate blood pressure, heart rate and metabolism. Prescription hormone replacements might also help prevent cancer cell regrowth.
An endocrinologist might recommend radioactive iodine as another cure for thyroid cancer. During this treatment, a patient consumes liquid iodine or a pill form of iodine. The radioactive iodine destroys thyroid tissue, some of which contain cancer cells. This type of cure for thyroid cancer is also sometimes used after a thyroidectomy to ensure that all malignant growths are eliminated.
The most common type of thyroid cancer is papillary thyroid cancer. This type of cancer is usually curable in all stages and might not spread to other parts of the body. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is more difficult to cure, because it spreads through the thyroid gland and lymph nodes at a rapid rate. This type of cancer usually is difficult to cure, but it also is rare.
Patients can work with their endocrinologists on a regular basis to make sure that thyroid cancer doesn’t reappear. In some cases, cancerous cells can return and spread to the lungs or lymph nodes. There is still a cure for thyroid cancer at this point, but patients being proactive can help prevent the spread of cancer cells. An endocrinologist might recommend regular blood work and a periodic ultrasound of the thyroid to help monitor a patient’s condition.