Thyroid cancer is among the most common endocrine malignancies and, importantly, one of the most curable cancers when treated appropriately. Understanding the disease helps patients make informed decisions about their care.
Types of Thyroid Cancer
Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC) — The most common type (80-85%), grows slowly and has an excellent prognosis with proper treatment.
Follicular Thyroid Cancer (FTC) — Accounts for 10-15% of cases. May spread through the bloodstream to lungs and bones.
Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) — Arises from C-cells; may be hereditary (MEN2 syndrome). Requires genetic testing for family members.
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer — Rare and aggressive. Requires prompt, aggressive multimodality treatment.
Diagnosis
Evaluation begins with neck ultrasound and FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology). Additional workup includes:
- Serum TSH, T3, T4
- Serum calcitonin (for MTC)
- CT/MRI neck and chest
- Radioiodine scan in selected cases
Surgical Treatment Options
Hemithyroidectomy (Lobectomy) — Removal of one lobe; appropriate for low-risk, small papillary cancers.
Total Thyroidectomy — Removal of the entire thyroid gland; standard for most thyroid cancers. Dr. Misra uses nerve monitoring to protect the recurrent laryngeal nerve (voice nerve) and carefully preserves the parathyroid glands.
Neck Dissection — When lymph nodes are involved, compartment-oriented neck dissection is performed.
After Surgery
Post-operative management typically includes:
- Thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine)
- Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for selected patients
- Long-term surveillance with thyroglobulin levels and ultrasound
Key Takeaway
Most thyroid cancers are highly curable. Do not delay — consult a surgical oncologist if you have a thyroid nodule or swelling in the neck.