Description

Thyroid cancer is a tumor of cells that starts in the thyroid. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck just under the Adam's apple. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.

Thyroid cancer may not cause any symptoms at first. But as it grows, it can cause signs and symptoms such as swelling in the neck, changes in voice and difficulty swallowing.

Several types of thyroid cancer exist. Most types of slow growth, despite the fact that some types can be very aggressive. Most thyroid cancers can be cured with treatment.

Thyroid cancer rates appear to be increasing. The increase may be caused by the improvement of imaging technology that allows health care providers to find small thyroid cancers in the CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging performed for other conditions (incidental thyroid cancer). Thyroid cancer is found in this way are generally of small cancers that respond well to the treatments.

Symptoms

The majority of thyroid cancers do not cause any signs or symptoms early in the disease. As thyroid cancer grows, it can cause:

  • A lump (nodule) that can be felt through the skin on the neck
  • A feeling of the tight shirt collars are becoming too tight
  • Changes in your voice, including increasing hoarseness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Pain in the neck and the throat

When to see a doctor

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your health care provider.

Causes

Thyroid cancer occurs when cells in the thyroid gland develop changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA contains the instructions that tell the cell what to do. The changes, which the doctors called mutations, tell the cells to grow and multiply quickly. The cells continue living when healthy cells naturally die. The accumulating cells form a mass called a tumor.

The tumor can grow to invade nearby tissues and can spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes in the neck. Sometimes, cancer cells can spread beyond the neck to the lungs, bones, and other parts of the body.

For the majority of cancers of the thyroid, it is not clear what causes the changes in the DNA that causes cancer.

Types of thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is classified into types based on the types of cells found in the tumor. The type is determined when a sample of cancer tissue is examined under a microscope. The type of thyroid cancer is considered in the determination of treatment and prognosis.

Types of thyroid cancer include:

  • Differentiated thyroid cancer. This broad category includes the types of thyroid cancer that begins in the cells that produce and store thyroid hormones. These cells are called follicular cells. Differentiated thyroid cancers cells appear similar to healthy cells when viewed under a microscope. Papillary thyroid cancer.This is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It can occur at any age, but most often affects people between the ages of 30 to 50 years. The majority of papillary thyroid tumors are small and respond well to treatment, even if the cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. A small portion of papillary thyroid cancers are aggressive and can get to involve the structures of the neck, or spread, to other areas of the body.Follicular thyroid cancer.This rare type of thyroid cancer usually affects people older than 50 years. Follicular thyroid cancer cells do not often spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. But some of the large and aggressive cancers can spread to other parts of the body. Follicular thyroid cancer most often spreads to the lungs and bones.Hurthle cell thyroid cancer.This rare type of thyroid cancer that was once considered to be a type of follicular thyroid cancer. It is now considered its own type, because cancer cells behave differently and respond to different treatments. Hurthle cell thyroid cancer are aggressive and can grow to involve the structures of the neck and spread to other parts of the body.Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer.This rare type of thyroid cancer is more aggressive than other differentiated thyroid cancer and often do not respond to the usual treatments.
  • Papillary thyroid cancer. This is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It can occur at any age, but most often affects people between the ages of 30 to 50 years. The majority of papillary thyroid tumors are small and respond well to treatment, even if the cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. A small portion of papillary thyroid cancers are aggressive and can get to involve the structures of the neck, or spread, to other areas of the body.
  • Follicular thyroid cancer. This rare type of thyroid cancer usually affects people older than 50 years. Follicular thyroid cancer cells do not often spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. But some of the large and aggressive cancers can spread to other parts of the body. Follicular thyroid cancer most often spreads to the lungs and bones.
  • Hurthle cell thyroid cancer. This rare type of thyroid cancer that was once considered to be a type of follicular thyroid cancer. It is now considered its own type, because cancer cells behave differently and respond to different treatments. Hurthle cell thyroid cancer are aggressive and can grow to involve the structures of the neck and spread to other parts of the body.
  • Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer. This rare type of thyroid cancer is more aggressive than other differentiated thyroid cancer and often do not respond to the usual treatments.
  • Anaplastic thyroid cancer. This rare type of thyroid cancer grows rapidly and can be difficult to treat. However, treatments can help to slow the progression of the disease. Anaplastic thyroid cancer tends to occur in people older than 60 years. Can cause serious signs and symptoms, such as swelling in the neck, which quickly gets worse, and can cause difficulty breathing and swallowing.
  • Medullary thyroid cancer. This rare type of thyroid cancer begins in thyroid cells called C cells, which produce the hormone calcitonin. Elevated levels of calcitonin in the blood can indicate medullary thyroid cancer at a very early stage. Some medullary thyroid cancers are caused by a gene called RET , which is transmitted from parents to children. The changes in the RET gene can cause familial medullary thyroid cancer and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Familial medullary thyroid cancer increases the risk of thyroid cancer. Multiple endocrine Neoplasia type 2, increases the risk of thyroid cancer, adrenal gland, cancer, and other types of cancers.
  • Other rare types. Other very rare types of cancer in the thyroid. These include thyroid lymphoma, which starts in the cells of the immune system of the thyroid gland, and the thyroid gland sarcoma that starts in the cells of the connective tissue of the thyroid gland.
  • Papillary thyroid cancer. This is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It can occur at any age, but most often affects people between the ages of 30 to 50 years. The majority of papillary thyroid tumors are small and respond well to treatment, even if the cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. A small portion of papillary thyroid cancers are aggressive and can get to involve the structures of the neck, or spread, to other areas of the body.
  • Follicular thyroid cancer. This rare type of thyroid cancer usually affects people older than 50 years. Follicular thyroid cancer cells do not often spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. But some of the large and aggressive cancers can spread to other parts of the body. Follicular thyroid cancer most often spreads to the lungs and bones.
  • Hurthle cell thyroid cancer. This rare type of thyroid cancer that was once considered to be a type of follicular thyroid cancer. It is now considered its own type, because cancer cells behave differently and respond to different treatments. Hurthle cell thyroid cancer are aggressive and can grow to involve the structures of the neck and spread to other parts of the body.
  • Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer. This rare type of thyroid cancer is more aggressive than other differentiated thyroid cancer and often do not respond to the usual treatments.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of thyroid cancer include:

  • The female sex. Thyroid cancer occurs more often in women than in men. The experts believe that it may be related to the hormone estrogen. The people who were assigned the sex female at birth typically have higher levels of estrogen in your body.
  • Exposure to high levels of radiation. Radiation treatments to the head and the neck, increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
  • Certain genetic syndromes, hereditary. Genetic syndromes that increase the risk of thyroid cancer include familial medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia, Cowden syndrome, and familial adenomatous polyposis. Types of thyroid cancer that sometimes in families include medullary thyroid cancer and papillary thyroid cancer.

Complications

The thyroid cancer that comes back around

Thyroid cancer can come back despite the success of the treatment, and you can re-occur if you have had your thyroid removed. This could happen if cancer cells spread beyond the thyroid before it's deleted.

The majority of thyroid cancers is not likely to repeat, including the most common types of thyroid cancer — papillary thyroid cancer and follicular thyroid cancer. Your doctor can tell you if your cancer has a higher risk of recurrence, based on the details of your cancer.

Recurrence is more likely if your cancer is aggressive, or if it grows beyond your thyroid gland. When thyroid cancer recurrence occurs, generally found in the first five years after their initial diagnosis.

The thyroid cancer that comes back still has a good prognosis. It is often amenable to treatment, and the majority of people are going to be successful in the treatment.

Thyroid cancer may recur in:

  • The lymph nodes in the neck
  • Small pieces of thyroid tissue left behind during surgery
  • Other areas of the body such as the lungs and bones

Your health care provider may recommend periodic blood tests or thyroid scans to check if there are signs that his cancer has returned. At these appointments, your healthcare provider may ask you if you have experienced any of the signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer recurrence, such as:

  • Neck pain
  • A lump in the neck
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Changes in the voice, such as hoarseness

The thyroid cancer that spreads (metastasizes)

Thyroid cancer sometimes spreads to the lymph nodes or to other parts of the body. Cancer cells that spread can be found when you're diagnosed for the first time or after treatment. The vast majority of thyroid cancers do not spread.

When thyroid cancer spreads, it most often travels to:

  • The lymph nodes in the neck
  • The lungs
  • Bones
  • Brain
  • Liver
  • Skin

The thyroid cancer that spreads can be detected on imaging tests, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, when you're first diagnosed with thyroid cancer. After successful treatment, your doctor may recommend follow-up appointments to look for signs that your thyroid cancer has spread. These citations may include nuclear imaging scans that uses a radioactive form of iodine, and a special camera to detect thyroid cancer cells.

Prevention

The doctors are not sure what causes the changes in the genes that lead to most cancers of the thyroid, so there is no way to prevent thyroid cancer in people who have an average risk of the disease.

Prevention for people with a high risk

Adults and children with an inherited gene that increases the risk of medullary thyroid cancer may be considered the thyroid surgery to prevent the cancer (thyroidectomy, prophylactic). Discuss your options with a genetic counselor who can explain your risk of thyroid cancer and their treatment options.

Prevention for people near nuclear power plants

A medication that blocks the effects of radiation on the thyroid is sometimes given to people who live near nuclear power plants in the united States. The medication (potassium iodide) could be used in the unlikely event of a nuclear reactor accident. If you live within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant and is concerned about the safety precautions, contact your state or local emergency management department for more information.

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose thyroid cancer include:

  • Physical exam. Your doctor will examine your neck to feel changes in your thyroid, such as a lump (nodule) in the thyroid. The doctor also may ask about your risk factors, such as exposure to radiation and a family history of thyroid cancer.
  • The function of the thyroid blood tests. Tests that measure the blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and the hormones produced by the thyroid gland may give your health care team clues about the health of the thyroid.
  • The ultrasound images.The ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the structures of the body. To create an image of the thyroid, the ultrasound transducer is placed in the lower part of the neck. The shape of a thyroid nodule is seen in an ultrasound image to help your provider determine if it is likely to be cancer. Signs that a thyroid nodule is more likely to be cancerous include calcium deposits (microcalcifications) within the nodules and an irregular border around the nodule. If there is a high probability that a nodule may be cancerous, additional testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine which type of thyroid cancer is present. Your provider may also use ultrasound to create images of the lymph nodes in the neck (lymph node mapping) to look for signs of cancer.
  • The removal of a sample of thyroid tissue.During a fine needle aspiration biopsy, your doctor inserts a long, thin needle through your skin and into the thyroid nodule. Ultrasound imaging is commonly used to precisely guide the needle. Your provider uses a needle to remove some cells of the thyroid. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. In the laboratory, a medical doctor who specializes in the analysis of the blood and the tissue of the body (pathologist looks at the tissue sample under a microscope to determine if cancer is present. The results are not always clear. Some types of thyroid cancer, especially follicular thyroid cancer and the cells of Hurthle thyroid cancer, are more likely to have uncertain results (indeterminate thyroid nodules). Your healthcare provider may recommend another procedure of biopsy or surgery to remove the thyroid nodule to the test. Specialized tests of the cells to look for changes in genes (molecular marker testing) may also be useful.
  • An imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer.A radioactive iodine scan uses a radioactive form of iodine, and a special camera to detect thyroid cancer cells in your body. It is most often used after surgery to find any type of cancer cells that may remain. This is the most useful test for papillary and follicular thyroid cancers. Healthy thyroid cells to absorb and use the iodine from the blood. Some types of thyroid cancer in the cells of that, too. When radioactive iodine is injected into a vein or swallowed any thyroid cancer cells in the body are going to take the iodine. None of the cells that take up the iodine is shown on the radioactive iodine scan images.
  • Other imaging tests. You may have one or more imaging tests to help your provider to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the thyroid. Imaging tests may include ultrasound, CT and MRI.
  • The genetic testing. A part medullary thyroid cancers are caused by inherited genes that are transmitted from parents to children. If you are diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend a meeting with a genetic counselor to consider genetic testing. Knowing that you have an inherited gene may help you understand your risk of other types of cancer, and that his inherited gene may mean for their children.

The ultrasound images. The ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the structures of the body. To create an image of the thyroid, the ultrasound transducer is placed in the lower part of the neck.

The shape of a thyroid nodule is seen in an ultrasound image to help your provider determine if it is likely to be cancer. Signs that a thyroid nodule is more likely to be cancerous include calcium deposits (microcalcifications) within the nodules and an irregular border around the nodule. If there is a high probability that a nodule may be cancerous, additional testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine which type of thyroid cancer is present.

Your provider may also use ultrasound to create images of the lymph nodes in the neck (lymph node mapping) to look for signs of cancer.

The removal of a sample of thyroid tissue. During a fine needle aspiration biopsy, your doctor inserts a long, thin needle through your skin and into the thyroid nodule. Ultrasound imaging is commonly used to precisely guide the needle. Your provider uses a needle to remove some cells of the thyroid. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

In the laboratory, a medical doctor who specializes in the analysis of the blood and the tissue of the body (pathologist looks at the tissue sample under a microscope to determine if cancer is present. The results are not always clear. Some types of thyroid cancer, especially follicular thyroid cancer and the cells of Hurthle thyroid cancer, are more likely to have uncertain results (indeterminate thyroid nodules). Your healthcare provider may recommend another procedure of biopsy or surgery to remove the thyroid nodule to the test. Specialized tests of the cells to look for changes in genes (molecular marker testing) may also be useful.

An imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer. A radioactive iodine scan uses a radioactive form of iodine, and a special camera to detect thyroid cancer cells in your body. It is most often used after surgery to find any type of cancer cells that may remain. This is the most useful test for papillary and follicular thyroid cancers.

Healthy thyroid cells to absorb and use the iodine from the blood. Some types of thyroid cancer in the cells of that, too. When radioactive iodine is injected into a vein or swallowed any thyroid cancer cells in the body are going to take the iodine. None of the cells that take up the iodine is shown on the radioactive iodine scan images.

Staging of thyroid cancer

Your health care team uses the information from the tests and procedures to determine the extent of the cancer and assign a stage. Your stage of a cancer tells your health care team about your prognosis and helps them to select the treatment most likely to help you.

The cancer stage is indicated by a number between 1 and 4. A lower number usually means that the cancer is likely to respond to treatment, and that often means that the cancer involves only the thyroid. A higher number means the diagnosis is more severe, and the cancer may have spread beyond the thyroid to other parts of the body.

Different types of thyroid cancer have different sets of stages. For example, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer each one has its own set of stages. Differentiated thyroid cancers, including papillary, follicular cells of Hurthle and poorly differentiated, share a set of stages. For differentiated thyroid cancer, its stage can vary based on their age.

Treatment

Your thyroid cancer treatment options depend on the type and stage of thyroid cancer, your general health and your preferences.

The majority of people diagnosed with thyroid cancer have an excellent prognosis, as the majority of thyroid cancers can be cured with treatment.

The treatment may not be needed immediately

The treatment may not be needed immediately, for very small papillary thyroid cancer (microcarcinomas papillary) because these cancers have a low risk of growth or spread. As an alternative to surgery or other treatments, you might consider the possibility of active surveillance with frequent monitoring of cancer. Your health care provider may recommend blood tests and an ultrasound of your neck once or twice a year.

In some people, the cancer may never grows up and do not require treatment. In other cases, the growth, finally, can be detected and treatment can begin.

Surgery

Most people with thyroid cancer that requires treatment is going to undergo a surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The operation of your health care team may recommend depends on your type of thyroid cancer, the size of the cancer and whether the cancer has spread beyond the thyroid to the lymph nodes. Your health care team also considers their preferences to create a plan of treatment.

Operations is used to treat thyroid cancer include:

  • The removal of all or most of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy). An operation to remove the thyroid gland may involve the removal of all the tissue of the thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy) or more of the thyroid tissue (near-total thyroidectomy). The surgeon often leaves the small wheels of thyroid tissue around the parathyroid glands to reduce the risk of damage to the parathyroid glands, that helps regulate the levels of calcium in the blood.
  • The removal of a portion of the thyroid gland (thyroid lobectomy). During a lobectomy thyroid, the surgeon removes the half of the thyroid. Lobectomy may be recommended if you have a slow growth of thyroid cancer in a part of the thyroid, non-suspicious nodules in other areas of the thyroid gland, and there are no signs of cancer in the lymph nodes.
  • Removal of the lymph nodes in the neck (lymph node dissection). Thyroid cancer often spreads to lymph nodes in the neck. An ultrasound examination of the neck before surgery may reveal signs that cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes. If so, the surgeon may remove some of the lymph nodes in the neck for the test.

To access the thyroid, surgeons usually make a cut (incision) in the lower part of the neck. The size of the incision depends on your situation, such as the type of operation and the size of the thyroid gland. Surgeons usually try to make the incision in a crease of skin on which it will be difficult to see as it heals and becomes a scar.

Thyroid surgery carries a risk of infection and bleeding. Damage to your parathyroid glands may also occur during surgery, which can lead to low levels of calcium in your body.

There is also a risk that the nerves connected to your vocal cords, it may not work as expected after the surgery, which can cause hoarseness and voice changes. The treatment can improve or reverse the problems of the nerves.

After the surgery, you can expect a bit of pain as your body heals. How much time it takes to recover will depend on your situation and the type of surgery you had. The majority of people start to feel recovered in 10 to 14 days. Some restrictions on their activity could continue. For example, the surgeon may recommend to stay away from strenuous activity for a couple more weeks.

After surgery to remove all or most of the thyroid, you may do blood tests to see if all of the thyroid cancer has been removed. The tests can measure:

  • Thyroglobulin — a protein produced by healthy cells of the thyroid, and the cells of differentiated thyroid cancer
  • Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the cells of medullary thyroid cancer
  • The carcinoembryonic antigen — a chemical substance produced by the cells of medullary thyroid cancer

These blood tests are also used to look for signs of cancer recurrence.

Thyroid hormone therapy

Thyroid hormone therapy is a treatment to replace or supplement the hormones produced by the thyroid. Thyroid hormone therapy medication is usually taken in pill form. Can be used for:

  • Replace the thyroid hormones after surgery.If your thyroid is completely removed, you will need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of your life to replace the hormones of the thyroid gland prior to your operation. This treatment replaces the natural hormones, so there should not be any kind of side effects once your health care team to find the proper dose for you. You may also need thyroid hormone replacement after undergoing a surgery to remove part of the thyroid, but not everyone does. If the thyroid hormones are too low after surgery (hypothyroidism), your health care team may recommend thyroid hormones.
  • Suppress the growth of cancer cells of the thyroid. High-dose therapy of thyroid hormones can suppress the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) of your brain, the pituitary gland. The TSH can cause thyroid cancer cells to grow. High doses of thyroid hormone therapy may be recommended for aggressive thyroid cancer.

Replace the thyroid hormones after surgery. If your thyroid is completely removed, you will need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of your life to replace the hormones of the thyroid gland prior to your operation. This treatment replaces the natural hormones, so there should not be any kind of side effects once your health care team to find the proper dose for you.

You may also need thyroid hormone replacement after undergoing a surgery to remove part of the thyroid, but not everyone does. If the thyroid hormones are too low after surgery (hypothyroidism), your health care team may recommend thyroid hormones.

Radioactive iodine

Treatment with radioactive iodine is used a form of iodine that is radioactive to kill thyroid cells and thyroid cancer cells that may remain after surgery. It is most often used to treat differentiated thyroid cancer who have a risk of spread to other parts of the body.

You could have a test to see if the cancer is likely to be helped by radioactive iodine, because not all types of thyroid cancer respond to this treatment. Differentiated thyroid cancers, including papillary, follicular cells and of Hurthle, are more likely to respond. Anaplastic and medullary thyroid cancer, are generally not treated with radioactive iodine.

Treatment with radioactive iodine comes in the form of capsules or a liquid that you swallow. The radioactive iodine is taken up primarily by the thyroid cells, and cells of thyroid cancer, for which there is a low risk of damaging other cells in your body.

What are the side effects you experience will depend on the dose of radioactive iodine that you receive. Higher doses may cause:

  • Dry mouth
  • Pain in the mouth
  • Inflammation of the eyes
  • Altered sense of taste or smell

The majority of radioactive iodine comes out of your body in the urine in the first few days after treatment. You will be given instructions for precautions to be taken during this time to protect other people from the radiation. For example, you can ask that we temporarily avoid close contact with other people, especially children and pregnant women.

The injection of alcohol in cancers

Alcohol ablation, which is also called ethanol ablation, involves the use of a needle to inject alcohol in small areas of cancer of the thyroid. Ultrasound imaging was used to precisely guide the needle. The alcohol causes cancer of the thyroid cells to shrink.

Alcohol ablation may be an option for the treatment of small areas of thyroid cancer, such as cancer that is found in the lymph nodes after the surgery. Sometimes it is an option if you are not healthy enough for surgery.

Advanced treatments of thyroid cancer

Aggressive thyroid cancers that grow more quickly and may need more treatment options for the control of the disease. The options may include:

  • Targeted drug therapy.Targeted drug treatments focus on specific chemicals present within the cancer cells. By blocking these chemicals, targeted drug treatments can cause cancer cells to die. Some of these treatments come in the form of a pill, and some are given through a vein. There are many different types of drugs for targeted therapy for thyroid cancer. Some target the blood vessels that cancer cells to carry nutrients that help the cells to survive. Other drugs target specific changes in the genes. Your healthcare provider may recommend special tests of the cancer cells to see what treatments can help. Side effects depend on the specific medication that you take.
  • The radiation therapy. External radiation therapy uses a machine that has as aim high-energy rays, such as X-rays and protons, to precise points on your body to kill the cancer cells. The radiation therapy may be recommended if the cancer does not respond to other treatments, or if it comes back. Radiation therapy may help control the pain caused by the cancer spreading to the bones. Radiation therapy side effects depend on where the radiation is aimed. If it is aimed at the neck, the side effects can include a sunburn-like reaction on the skin, cough, and pain when swallowing.
  • Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. There are many different types of chemotherapy drugs that can be used alone or in combination. Some come in the form of a pill, but most are administered through a vein. Chemotherapy can help control the rapid growth of the thyroid cancers, such as anaplastic thyroid cancer. In certain situations, chemotherapy may be used for other types of thyroid cancer. Sometimes, chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. Side effects of chemotherapy depend on the specific drugs you receive.
  • The destruction of cancer cells with the heat and the cold. The thyroid cancer cells that spread to the lungs, the liver and the bones can be treated with heat and cold to kill cancer cells. Radiofrequency ablation uses energy to heat the cancer cells, causing their death. Cryoablation uses a gas to freeze and destroy cancer cells. These treatments can help to control small areas of cancer cells.

Targeted drug therapy. Targeted drug treatments focus on specific chemicals present within the cancer cells. By blocking these chemicals, targeted drug treatments can cause cancer cells to die. Some of these treatments come in the form of a pill, and some are given through a vein.

There are many different types of drugs for targeted therapy for thyroid cancer. Some target the blood vessels that cancer cells to carry nutrients that help the cells to survive. Other drugs target specific changes in the genes. Your healthcare provider may recommend special tests of the cancer cells to see what treatments can help. Side effects depend on the specific medication that you take.

Supportive (palliative) care

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on the relief of pain and other symptoms of a serious disease. Palliative care specialists work with you, your family and your health care team to provide an extra layer of support that complements your ongoing care.

Palliative care can be used while undergoing other aggressive treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Increasingly, palliative care offered early in the course of cancer treatment.

When palliative care is used along with all other appropriate treatments, people with cancer may feel better, have a better quality of life and live longer.

Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specially trained professionals. Palliative care teams aim to improve the quality of life of people with cancer and their families.

Follow-up tests for the survivors of thyroid cancer

After your thyroid cancer treatment ends, your doctor may recommend follow-up tests and procedures to look for signs that his cancer has returned. You may have follow-up appointments once or twice a year for several years after the end of the treatment.

That the evidence you need will depend on your situation. Follow-up tests may include:

  • Physical examination of the neck
  • Blood tests
  • Ultrasound examination of her neck
  • Other imaging tests, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Coping and support

It may take time to accept and learn to deal with a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Everyone eventually finds their own way of coping. Until you find what works for you, consider trying to:

  • To find out enough about thyroid cancer to make decisions about your care. Write down the details of your thyroid cancer, such as the type, stage, and treatment options. Ask your health care provider where you can go for more information. Good sources of information to get you started include the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society and the American Thyroid Association.
  • Connect with other survivors of thyroid cancer. You may find comfort in talking with the people in your same situation. Ask your doctor about support groups in your area. Or connect with thyroid cancer survivors on-line through the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network or the Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association.
  • Control what you can about your health. You can't control whether or not you will develop thyroid cancer, but you can take steps to keep your body healthy during and after treatment. For example, eating a healthy diet full of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Get enough sleep each night so that you wake feeling rested. Try to incorporate physical activity on most days of the week. And find ways to cope with stress.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have signs and symptoms that worry you, start by seeing your family doctor. If your doctor suspects you may have a thyroid problem, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in diseases of the endocrine system (endocrine).

Because appointments can be brief, and because there is often a large amount of information to discuss, it is a good idea to be prepared. Here's some information to help you prepare, and what to expect.

What you can do

  • Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there is anything that you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
  • Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking. Remember to include any medication you are taking which are available without a prescription.
  • Have a family member or friend. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions to ask their provider. Write down your three main concerns of so that you can be sure to discuss these before moving on to other concerns.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of their time together. A list of questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For thyroid cancer, some basic questions to ask include:

  • What type of thyroid cancer do I have?
  • What stage is my cancer thyroid?
  • What treatments are recommended?
  • What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option?
  • I have other health problems. How can I best manage them together?
  • I'm going to be able to work and do my usual activities during the treatment of thyroid cancer?
  • Should I seek a second opinion?
  • Should I see a doctor that specializes in diseases of the thyroid?
  • How much time will I have to make a decision about thyroid cancer treatment? I can take some time to consider my options?
  • What might happen if I decide to have regular check-ups, but they do not have treatment for cancer?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What sites do you recommend?
  • I am able to access my medical record online through the patient portal?

If any of the additional questions that occur during your visit, do not hesitate to ask.

What to expect from your doctor

Your provider is likely to ask a series of questions. Be ready to answer them may reserve time to go over points you want to talk in-depth. Your provider may ask:

  • When did you first start having symptoms?
  • Your symptoms are occasional or continuous?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • Nothing seems to improve the symptoms?
  • Does anything seem to make your symptoms worse?
  • Have you ever been treated with radiation therapy?
  • Have you ever been exposed to consequences of a nuclear accident?
  • Does anyone in your family has a history of goiter or thyroid disease, or other cancers endocrine?
  • Have you been diagnosed with any other medical condition?
  • What medicines you are taking, including vitamins and supplements?
  • What have other health care providers shared with you about his condition?
Symptoms and treatment of Thyroid cancer