What you need to know about thyroid cancer
Have you been diagnosed with thyroid cancer? Any cancer diagnosis can be terrifying at first - but the more you know, the more empowered you feel around your decisions.
Let’s take a look at the important facts around thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer basics
The rate of thyroid cancer is on the rise. This is in part due to the more widespread use of ultrasound on the neck, along with fine needle aspiration (FNA) detecting small papillary cancers. However, there are other factors at play - which we’ll touch on shortly.
Forms of thyroid cancer
There are several forms of thyroid cancer. It’s important to identify which form you are dealing with, as it can influence the treatment and management approach.
The major forms include:
Papillary cancer - this is the most common, at around 80-85% of cases. It is generally slow-growing, and has a high survival rate (5 year rate is near 100% for local/regional and 75% for distant)
Follicular cancer - this is around 12% of cases, and is more common in older people. The survival rate is still considered to be quite good, with 5 year rate of 98-99% for local/regional and 63% for distant
Hurthle cell thyroid carcinoma - accounts for around 5% of cases. It is commonly seen in females aged 40+. The 5 year survival rate is between 92-96% depending on gender.
Anaplastic (undifferentiated) thyroid cancer - this accounts for around 3% of cases. It has a much lower survival rate - the 5 year rate is 34% for localised, 9% for regional and 4% for distant.
Medullary thyroid cancer - around 3% of cases. The 5 year survival rate for localised and regional are excellent (90-100%), whereas distant drops to around 40%.
There are also other forms of cancer that metastasize to the thyroid. Breast cancer, colon cancer, renal cancer and melanoma are a few of the most common cancers that can spread to the thyroid gland.
Risk factors
There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing thyroid cancer. However, keep in mind - there is no guarantee that you will develop it if at a high risk, or won’t if you have a low risk!
The known risk factors include:
Genetics/family history
Age (25 to 65 is the most common age group)
Ethnicity (Asian and Pacific Islander populations have a higher risk)
Sex - females are more commonly diagnosed
Environmental exposures including radiation, smoking, alcohol use, endocrine disruptors and heavy metals
Dietary factors - iodine deficiency, pro-inflammatory diet
There are also underlying processes that may be playing a role in the above risk factors. Chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress and hormone imbalances are all potential factors in thyroid cancer development and growth.
Diagnosis
Thyroid cancer is typically diagnosed with a combination of ultrasound and fine needle aspiration (FNA). The ultrasound detects the tumour(s), and the FNA aspirates cells to see if they are benign or malignant (cancerous).
There may be other diagnosis techniques used for forms that are metastasized such as MRI and PET scans.
medical treatment options
Treatment depends on the form, stage and spread. The most common treatment options used include:
Thyroidectomy - partial or full
Surgery - if the spread is local, e.g. lymph nodes in the neck, this will be done at the same time as the thyroidectomy. However, if the cancer has spread to other locations, further surgery may be required.
Radioactive iodine (RAI) - a dose of radioactive iodine is given, which travels to the thyroid cells and destroys them. This is usually in conjunction with a thyroidectomy/removal of the tumours
Radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy - this is typically used for cancer that has spread beyond the thyroid, particularly anaplastic cancer.
After treatment, you will have follow-up visits regularly to ensure the cancer has not returned. This can include ultrasounds, blood tests (thyroglobulin can indicate the return of thyroid tissue) and a full-body scan to detect any thyroid tissue.
What is the best approach for thyroid cancer?
If you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, you will need to discuss treatment options and/or surgical removal with your specialist. They will be able to guide you in terms of the best way to address your case, depending on the form, location and spread.
However, we still want to consider the prevention of recurrence, as well as supporting your body post-treatment. Many people report symptoms after thyroid cancer treatment including fatigue, low immunity, pain and infection around the surgical site, and hypothyroid symptoms.
This is where working with a holistic or integrative practitioner (e.g. naturopath or nutritionist) experienced in thyroid cancer support can make a huge difference.
Stay tuned for some future articles that will tackle key areas of thyroid cancer care, including nutrition, lifestyle and post-treatment support.
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Resources on thyroid testing and which tests will give you the best overview of your thyroid function/thyroid hormone balance
Steps to help you identify triggers and avoid thyroid flares
6 restorative Naturopathic Yoga sessions
Thyroid meditations
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Important note:
This information is not a substitute for medical advice or personalised support from a healthcare practitioner. I always recommend consulting your healthcare professional before making changes to medications, adding supplements, changing your diet or altering your lifestyle.