What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a malignancy of the thyroid gland. It happens when there is an abnormal, invasive growth of mutated, abnormal thyroid cells. Thyroid cancer is usually a very slow-growing cancer, which means it is usually confined to the thyroid gland, or possibly the surrounding lymph nodes when it is discovered.
The most common type, which accounts for 90-95% of thyroid cancer is papillary thyroid cancer.
Most types of thyroid cancer are very treatable and patients go on to live long, healthy, normal lives.
The only risk factors for thyroid cancer are a history of radiation to the head and neck and a personal or family history of an endocrine tumor syndrome, specifically Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia types 2A and 2B. Thyroid cancer can rarely be a part of other cancer syndromes.
Learn About Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Watch these videos of Dr. Melanie Goldfarb, endocrine surgeon and Director of the Center for Endocrine Tumors and Disorders explaining symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for thyroid cancer.
Thyroid Cancer Treatments
Historically, there were 3 components to thyroid cancer treatment: surgery, radioactive iodine, and thyroid hormone suppression. However, the paradigm for thyroid cancer treatment has shifted and a more conservative approach is favored for most patients.
Surgery
Most patients should undergo thyroid surgery to remove the thyroid cancer. The extent of your surgery (thyroid lobectomy vs total thyroidectomy) will depend on the size of your cancer, if the thyroid cancer is extending outside of the thyroid gland, and if you have nodules in your other thyroid lobe.
Radioactive iodine
After a total thyroidectomy, some intermediate-high risk patients with more aggressive cancers (not medullary) will be recommended to additional treatment with radioactive iodine.
Active Surveillance
This strategy is being offered to select patients (mostly ‘older’) with small, 1cm or less tumors. Saint Johns does have an active surveillance program and if you think you may be a candidate, you can discuss with your doctor. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Thyroid hormone replacement
All thyroid cancer patients that have had a total thyroidectomy will be put on brand name thyroid medication. Very high risk patients will be given larger, suppressive doses of thyroid hormone replacement. This will help prevent any remaining thyroid tissue or cells from growing back at all or in the form of cancer. Your TSH levels will be monitored by your endocrinologists to obtain your optimum dose.
Different Types of Thyroid Cancer
Doctors Who Treat Thyroid Cancer
Please submit an online appointment request or call 310-829-8751 if you have any questions, need a diagnosis, treatment or second opinion.