THYROID DISEASE

Read and learn more about thyroid cancer treatment. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?
I have enlarged nodules and am wondering about treatment for thyroid cancer, if in fact I do have cancer. I have enlarged nodules on my left and right side.

A: You have a 95% chance of NOT having thyroid cancer. The treatment for thyroid cancer varies depending on the type and stage. The most common types of thyroid cancer (Papillary and Follicular) always have a surgical removal of the thyroid and (sometimes) follow up treatment of Radioactive Iodine (I-131) to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue. Levothyroxine is needed for life since a total thyroidectomy results in one not being able to produce thyroid stimulating hormone. Try not to worry, good luck with everything! http://thyca.org

Q: Why would you face go numb after the radioactive treatment for thyroid cancer?
My girlfriend just did the radioactive iodine treatment for her thyroid cancer and now about 5 days later her left side of her face has gone numb. She called her doctor and mad an appointment but that isnt for 2 days. What is going on and what can she do to make her face not be numb until she goes to the doctors because she is really freaking out.

A: I don’t know if its the treatment or coincidence, but there’s a nerve that runs through the opening in your jaw. If that swells for whatever reason, your face on that side will go numb. It’s called Bell’s Palsy. I had it years ago from a drafty window when I lived up north. I was on prednisone, which took the swelling away.

Q: Which is the place to get treatment for papillary thyroid cancer in India?
Hello,

I am male, 30 years old. Which is the place to get treatment for papillary thyroid cancer in India and How much it cost?

Kindly Reply,
Cancer Fighter.

A: I don’t have an answer, but I do have a site with more info and maybe they can help. www.thyca.org (thyroid cancer survivors for america)

Q: How much does thyroid cancer treatment cost?

A: I racked up over $120,000 in bills in 4 months. I had multiple ultrasounds, an ultrasound guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy, those cost close to $3,000. My surgery was more extensive than first planned, so it ended up costing more than $75,000. I had radioactive iodine (I-131) for my follow up treatment, two sets of scans, multiple ultrasounds, CT scans, countless blood tests/ tumor markers…the list goes on! It’s been 20 months since my first diagnosis, and I think my current tab is $150,000 and counting.

Q: Where are the top sites in the US for thyroid cancer evaluation and treatment?
Female, 62 years, on Synthroid for 20+ years after thyroid stopped functioning. Recent ultrasound shows two solid nodules (under 2 cm, one in each lobe) and a 3rd nodule “in the upper pole.” Thyroglobulin blood test abnormal. Hoarse voice. Had thyroid scan today. Internist felt growth 3 wks ago which prompted ultrasound. Internist suggests biopsies next at area diagnostic center. Earliest date available Oct. 10. Is this good advice or should I seek endocrinologist exam now? Am a 6 year uterine cancer survivor at an excellent, regional cancer center, which does very little with thyroid cancer. What are the top centers for thyroid cancer? What would you recommend doing in my situation?

A: I had tumors on my thyroid and had it removed when I was seven years old. I would definitely talk to an endocrinologist, if I were you. No matter whether the advice you were given was good or not, the endocrinologist will know what is best for you. Baylor in Dallas is an excellent hospital. They’ve done all of my thyroid related surgeries.

Q: Best Hospital and Doctor to get treatment for papillary thyroid cancer in Seattle Area?
Hello,

I am 30 years old male diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. I am living in Bellevue. Could you please share info on best hospitals and Doctors to get treatment in Seattle Area?

Thanks,
Cancer Fighter

A: go to www.thyca.org and thyca@yahoogroups.com (the second one is a question answer forum for thryoid cancer folks) and post there.

Q: Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Thyroid Cancer? Questions to ask?
I have a friend who has Thyroid cancer and has had the tumor and her thyroid removed. Tomorrow she is going for her consultation for the radioactive iodine treatment, and she wants to go in to the appointment with a list of questions that she should ask. Anyone have any suggestions?

A: I assume you are refering to the ablative treatment (destroy any remaining thyroid/turmor tissue). She will get a lot of information on dealing with the 3 to 5 days after treatment where she will need to avoid contact with other people. the person who is assisting in her care should also attend. Good questions to ask are about dealing with possible side affects (e.g. painful saliva glands) and other possible side affects. She is probably feeling lousy right now having been off the tyroid medicane for several weeks. So questions about when she can again start the thyroid meds again.

Q: What is the resent development in the treatment of thyroid cancer which affect bone for more than 6 years?
My wife is seriously sick with thyroid cancer which affected her left leg bone

A: There is one that I have heard. It makes little sense that it would have to be in the bones for 6 years.

Q: Need recommendations for Holistic Vets in Sydney – Thyroid Cancer treatment?
Hi everyone

My staffy x Charlie has just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, he has just had his radiation treatment yesterday. I am trying to find an experienced, highly recommended Holistic Vet within Sydney that I can see about his diet, herbal supplements etc

Has anyone used a Holistic Vet for the treatment of their pets cancer? If so was it successful? And secondly can anyone recommend a good, geniune, experienced holistic vet that I can take my little man to?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

A: I am in the US, so I can’t help you with finding a Holistic Vet in Sydney. But I used to Tech for a well respected Veterinary Internist. We had several clients that went to a Holistic Vet in another state. They drove a long way to see this vet. Then we would do the follow up care. One case we had was a dog with a rectal tumor. The dog lived for a couple of years, BUT the owner had the tumor reduced surgically several times. It was an aggressive cancer, and ultimately killed the dog, but the dog lived a couple of years more than it would have.
We also had another dog that had a brain tumor. The owner went to the same vet. The dog lived about 9-12 months with the brain tumor.
I don’t know if I have answered your question, but I wish you luck with your dog.

Q: What is the cost of radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer?

A: They usually use radioactive iodine isotopes as tracers, Go to Google and type in Association of Oncology social work.
I believe you are speaking of Lymphoma.
There is some help I believe, you just have to look for it.

Q: What are the effect after treatment of thyroid cancer?

A: You become hypothyroid and go on thyroid medication.

Q: Have you put off treatment to get pregnant when experiencing recurrent papillary thyroid cancer in lymph nodes
I’m looking for new treatments other than RAI or surgery. I have been waiting a few years between fertility issues and cancer treatments to get pregnant 36 and the clock is ticking

A: Yes I put off the RAI to get pregnant with my first child. I had papillary thyroid cancer but it had not spread to my lymph nodes. It was encapsulated in my thyroid gland. I had the surgery, total thyroidectomy. I kept my TSH suppressed to 0.1 and got pregnant about 3 months after trying. I was 28 at the time. After my first child was born, I had RAI when he was 7 months. We waited 1 year to try for baby #2 and got pregnant on our first try with baby #2.

Both kids were born full term, totally healthy. I get their thyroids tested every year because I’m paranoid that my thyroid problems passed to my kids. But their thyroid tests come back normal.

So you can put off RAI to have kids or have RAI and then have kids. But once you have RAI, you have to wait 6 months to 1 year to try to conceive.

Just my opinion…since you’re 36…Keep your TSH suppressed and if your thyroglobulin levels are little to nothing…postpone RAI and have a baby first.

Good luck.

regards,
mari

Q: anyone been through treatment for papilliary thyroid cancer?
I am 30 and was diagnosed last year. I have three young children and a wonderful fiance, but none of them understand how i feel preparing to come off meds for tests at the minute and i’m absolutely dreading it. I live in the uk btw
Anyone been in same boat?

A: I had pap cancer a few years ago. I am 44 years old. I had a total thyroidectomy, because I felt it would be safer and maybe prevent further surgeries. I had 2 rounds of radioactive iodine (a small one that I stayed at home with and a second one with a hospital stay). Being off meds was the worst. I felt like a slug. This past year, my doctor told me there was a new Thyroglobulin test that didn’t require me to get off my meds. He said it was through MD Anderson in Houston, Texas and that it was ultra-sensitive. I was thrilled not to have to go through all that again. I’ll be praying for you.

Q: Is 8 years of thyroid cancer diagnosis then treatment harmful?

A: If someone waited 8 yrs to get treatment after being diagnosed with cancer, it may have spread to other areas and may be terminal. It could end up in the lymph nodes, lungs and bones. By the time 8 years is up, treatment may be a waste of time.

Q: I have been diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer. What are dangers of radioactive iodine dye treatment?
I am also going to have my entire thyroid removed before the iodine dye treatment is done. The iodine dye treatment is being done through an IV in my wrist. I will be completely off my synthroid.

A: I had papillary cancer also. Never had the radioactive iodine treatment, backed out of it because of fertility concerns. Which the doctor than consulted someone at Columbia University and found out I was right. It is temporary though. Other concerns are damage to your salivary glands, usually temporary but may be permanent. Sucking candies are recommended. Also there is a small chance of developing a secondary cancer even though the radiation is targeted at remaining thyroid cells.

It has been 5 years, and I have a new doctor who wants me to see a specialist to see if radioactive iodine treatment is needed. Also there is a drug you can take so you do not need to go off synthroid. Not all places use it.

My initial doctor never thought I needed radioactive iodine treatment, but every endocrinologist I see does.