Thyroid Cancer Treatment
Thyroid cancer is a cancer that arises in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck. Although it represents a small fraction of all cancers, its occurrence has been increasing worldwide. Improvements in the treatment of thyroid cancer, such as surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, have greatly enhanced survival. This article discusses the disease, modes of treatment, efficacy, hazards, recovery, expense, and patient’s experience, and especially the availability of the treatment in India and China.
About the Disease
Thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the thyroid gland grow uncontrollably. The main types include:
- Papillary thyroid cancer (most common, slow-growing)
- Follicular thyroid cancer (spreads via blood vessels)
- Medullary thyroid cancer (linked to genetic mutations)
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer (rare, aggressive)
Symptoms may include a neck lump, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes. Early detection improves treatment outcomes.
Indications for Thyroid Cancer Treatment
Treatment is recommended based on:
- Tumor size and type
- Cancer stage (localized or metastatic)
- Patient’s age and overall health
- Genetic mutations (e.g., BRAF, RET)
Procedure Details
1. Diagnosis
- Ultrasound – Identifies thyroid nodules.
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy – Confirms malignancy.
- Blood tests – Measures thyroid hormones and tumor markers.
- Imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans) – Assesses cancer spread.
2. Surgical Treatment
- Lobectomy – Removal of one thyroid lobe.
- Total thyroidectomy – Complete removal of the thyroid.
- Lymph node dissection – If cancer has spread.
3. Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Therapy
Used post-surgery to destroy remaining thyroid tissue.
Treatment Details: Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and Targeted Therapy
Chemotherapy
- Rarely used, except for anaplastic thyroid cancer.
- Drugs like doxorubicin may be combined with radiation.
Immunotherapy
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) – Helps the immune system attack cancer cells.
- Used in advanced cases unresponsive to other treatments.
Targeted Therapy
- Lenvatinib (Lenvima), Sorafenib (Nexavar) – Inhibits tumor growth.
- Selpercatinib (Retevmo) – Targets RET gene mutations.
Effectiveness of Thyroid Cancer Treatment
- Papillary and follicular cancers have a 5-year survival rate of 98% if detected early.
- Medullary thyroid cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 89%.
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer is aggressive, with a lower survival rate.
Risks and Side Effects
- Surgery risks: Infection, voice changes (due to nerve damage), hypothyroidism.
- RAI therapy: Dry mouth, nausea, fatigue.
- Targeted therapy: High blood pressure, diarrhea, liver issues.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine) – Required after thyroid removal.
- Regular monitoring – Blood tests (TSH, thyroglobulin) and imaging.
- Lifestyle adjustments – Balanced diet, stress management.
Cost and Availability
Thyroid cancer treatment costs vary by country:
| Country | Surgery Cost (USD) | RAI Therapy (USD) | Targeted Therapy (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 15,000−50,000 | 5,000−20,000 | 100,000−150,000 |
| India | 3,000−6,000 | 1,000−3,000 | 10,000−30,000 |
| China | 5,000−10,000 | 2,000−5,000 | 20,000−50,000 |
| Israel | 10,000−25,000 | 4,000−10,000 | 70,000−120,000 |
| Thailand | 4,000−8,000 | 1,500−4,000 | 15,000−40,000 |
| Turkey | 5,000−12,000 | 2,500−6,000 | 25,000−60,000 |
| Malaysia | 6,000−12,000 | 2,000−5,000 | 20,000−50,000 |
| Korea | 7,000−15,000 | 3,000−7,000 | 30,000−70,000 |
Thyroid Cancer Treatment in India
- Top hospitals: Tata Memorial (Mumbai), AIIMS (Delhi), Apollo Hospitals.
- Affordable costs for surgery and RAI therapy.
- Targeted therapy available but expensive.
Thyroid Cancer Treatment in China
- Advanced hospitals: Peking Union Medical College, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center.
- Government subsidies reduce costs.
- Clinical trials for new therapies.
Patient Experiences
Many patients report successful outcomes after surgery and RAI therapy. Those with advanced cancer highlight the benefits of targeted drugs despite side effects. Support groups and counseling help in coping.
List of Ongoing Clinical Trials in China
- NCT04554684 – Lenvatinib + Pembrolizumab for advanced thyroid cancer.
- NCT04236219 – Anlotinib in medullary thyroid cancer.
- NCT03875921 – RET inhibitor trial.
FAQ
Q: Is thyroid cancer curable?
A: Most cases (papillary/follicular) are highly treatable, especially when detected early.
Q: What is the best treatment for thyroid cancer?
A: Surgery followed by RAI therapy is standard. Targeted therapy is used for advanced cases.
Q: How long is recovery after thyroidectomy?
A: Most patients recover in 2-4 weeks, but hormone balance may take months.
Q: Does thyroid cancer treatment affect fertility?
A: RAI therapy may temporarily impact fertility; discuss preservation options with your doctor.
Q: Are there natural remedies for thyroid cancer?
A: No, but a healthy diet supports recovery. Always follow medical advice.