Thyroid cancer treatment

Treatment for thyroid cancer is prescribed by the attending physician.

It can be performed according to several basic principles. The first option involves the use of fine-needle aspiration biopsy. It is performed under ultrasound control and allows for the diagnosis of cancer. All nodes that will be identified during this method must be punctured. But this only applies to those nodes whose diameter exceeds 1 cm. Without a fine-needle biopsy, further competent planning of the patient's treatment is impossible.

The second principle is the complete removal of the thyroid gland. The detection of thyroid cancer during a biopsy inevitably entails surgical treatment. After all, this way you can achieve not only efficiency, but also prevent relapses in the future.

The third principle involves the use of combined treatment. But it also includes surgery with subsequent use of radioactive iodine as therapy. The goal of this method is to destroy tumor tissue and the remains of normal thyroid tissue in the patient's body. Combined treatment allows to reduce the likelihood of relapse several times.

The fourth principle is to closely monitor patients. And this is done over a long period of time. All these methods allow thyroid cancer to be effectively eliminated.

Treatment of papillary thyroid cancer

Treatment of papillary thyroid cancer, which accounts for eight out of every ten thyroid cancer diagnoses, as well as treatment of follicular cancer is carried out in two stages.

First, an operation is performed to remove the thyroid gland. Moreover, in the world of endocrine oncological surgery, the most effective method is recognized as thyroidectomy (direct or endoscopic), in which both lobes of the gland are completely excised, as well as the isthmus that connects them.

Experts note that all other surgical methods - removal of one lobe of the gland (hemithyroidectomy), subtotal resection (part of the second lobe of the gland is not removed), enucleation of the pathological formation - are a mistake in this case. Such operations, as well as the treatment of thyroid cancer with ionizing radiation or chemotherapy, are not justified.

Moreover, in most cases, to reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence and the development of metastases - that is, to prolong the positive effect of treatment - oncologists resort to the removal of lymph nodes (lymph node dissection) with the surrounding tissues. For example, if the cervical lymph nodes localized in the area of the vascular-nerve bundle are hypertrophied, a resection of part of the neck tissue is performed on the side where the tumor was. And such a combined operation is called simultaneous removal of the primary lesion and areas of regional metastasis.

After removal of the gland and lymph nodes, the treatment of papillary thyroid cancer enters the second stage, when radioiodine therapy is used. The patient takes a gelatin capsule with the radioactive isotope iodine-131, which penetrates only into the thyroid cells that perceive this halogen and causes their death (ablation effect) under the influence of targeted selective β-radiation.

Thus, treatment of thyroid cancer with radioactive iodine reduces the number of relapses and increases the chances of survival of cancer patients with metastases. Other cells are not affected, although long-term observations of patients after such treatment show the possibility of complications in the form of leukemia, cancer of the salivary glands, bladder or mammary glands.

After radioactive iodine therapy, patients undergo a full body scan (WBS) to detect any remaining thyroid tissue that was not removed during surgery, as well as the location of malignant thyroid cells in the body. In both cases, a repeat course of radioiodine therapy is prescribed with an increased dose of radioactive iodine.

In addition to radioiodine therapy, other treatment methods are used for papillary and follicular cancer, in particular, external beam radiation therapy. When the tumor grows into the trachea and affects the recurrent nerve that innervates the muscles of the larynx, it is considered inoperable and is irradiated. However, according to oncologists, the effectiveness of traditional radiotherapy for differentiated forms of thyroid cancer is half that of radioactive iodine treatment.

By the way, in all clinics in Germany, in accordance with the guidelines of the German Cancer Society, treatment of thyroid cancer (papillary and follicular) is carried out using a standard operating procedure (SOP) - the introduction of a radioactive isotope of iodine to patients. But the use of radiation and chemotherapy for this oncological pathology in Germany has long been abandoned.

Treatment of medullary thyroid cancer

Today, in all operable cases, treatment for medullary thyroid cancer involves total thyroidectomy with excision of virtually all nearby lymph nodes and surrounding tissues.

Such a radical nature of surgical intervention is due to the fact that medullary cancer (often having a genetically determined etiology) develops rapidly and metastasizes throughout the body: to the structures of the lymphatic system, to muscles and bones, to the lungs and tissues of visceral organs.

It should be noted that radioiodine therapy is not used for medullary cancer, as the tumor cells of this type are not susceptible to radioactive iodine. Although this method can be used to atrophy the remaining thyroid cells after surgery.

Chemotherapy in the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer is used in inoperable stage IV of the disease, with rapid tumor growth, and in the case of distant metastases. Most often, chemotherapy is carried out by intravenous or intramuscular administration of drugs such as anticancer antibiotics Doxorubicin (Adriblastin, Kelix, Sindroxocin) or Bleomycin (Blanoxan), as well as platinum-containing cytostatics (Cisplatin, etc.).

Drug treatments for thyroid cancer, particularly medullary cancer, include targeted drugs that affect the growth of cancer cells. These drugs include Vandetanib (Caprelsa) and Votrient (Pazopanib), which bind to tyrosine kinase receptors (RTK) and block the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) of cancer cells. As a result, these cells stop metabolizing and lose their ability to proliferate. One tablet of the drug is taken once a day. The minimum daily dose is 400 mg, the maximum is 800 mg. Side effects of these drugs include abdominal pain, nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, skin rashes, increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, headaches, and increased fatigue.

Suppressive therapy for thyroid cancer

Suppressive therapy for thyroid cancer is one of the main methods of therapy after radical thyroidectomy. It is used to reduce the concentration of serum TSH, for this purpose the administration of thyroid hormones is prescribed.

Malignant cells that originate from the follicular epithelium of the gland have TSH receptors, so in response to their stimulation, adenylate cyclase activity increases. In papillary and follicular carcinoma, the recurrence rate decreases due to suppressive therapy.

Side effects of high doses of thyroid hormones can cause the development of osteoporosis, myocardial contractility disorders, increased heart rate, atrial arrhythmia. Therefore, the use of this method is a very effective way to get rid of the problem. Thyroid cancer responds well to this therapy. It is important to start treatment on time and under the supervision of the attending physician. In this case, the effectiveness increases many times over.

Thyroid cancer suppressive therapy drugs

Drugs for suppressive therapy of thyroid cancer are selected exclusively by the attending physician. Basically, the choice falls on the use of the drug L-thyroxine.

The optimal suppressive dose is calculated to be 2.3–2.5 mcg/kg. Before starting the treatment, it is recommended to perform highly sensitive TSH analysis methods that allow detection of its presence in serum at concentrations of about 0.01 mIU/l.

Somatulin is also widely used. It helps fight malignant tumors. Information regarding its dosage should be provided by the attending physician. Everything is done on an individual basis.

Bleomycin Sulfate is used to eliminate various types of cancer. When prescribing this drug, a number of key factors are taken into account, including the stage of the disease, the course and characteristics of the body. Information regarding the dosage is provided exclusively by the attending physician.

Suppressive therapy drugs are regular hormones that need to be taken with extreme caution. In this case, thyroid cancer will retreat.

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Radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer

Radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer is widely used today. It is especially effective for papillary and follicular cancer.

This therapy is based on selective concentration and prolonged retention of iodine by tumor tissue. Due to this effect, most of the radioactive iodine dose is delivered to malignant cells, with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

The technique is not used for medullary and anaplastic cancer, because cancer cells in this case are not amenable to treatment with radioactive iodine.

Radioactive iodine must be taken in capsules or as a liquid preparation. In some cases, the drug is administered intravenously. The substance penetrates the blood through the main bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body. Naturally, it accumulates exclusively in the cells of the thyroid gland.

Carrying out such therapy must include mandatory hospitalization of the person. Radioactive iodine is eliminated from the body within 3 weeks. To protect the bladder from the negative effects of iodine, a large amount of fluid is taken. This therapy will eliminate thyroid cancer.

Radiation therapy for thyroid cancer

Radiation therapy for thyroid cancer can be used for any form of the disease, especially for tumors that cannot be removed by radioactive iodine therapy.

It is also widely used for secondary tumors or metastases. Combined use with surgery, hormone therapy or chemotherapy is not excluded.

The radiation is mainly directed to the neck area or other affected areas. The procedure is mandatory on an outpatient or inpatient basis 5 days a week. The course of treatment is several weeks.

It is worth noting the fact that radiation therapy can cause side effects that depend on the dose of radiation and the location of the irradiation.

The skin in the treatment area becomes inflamed and dry. There is a constant feeling of fatigue, especially in the last weeks of the full course of treatment. Side effects often disappear immediately after the end of the course. This therapy is very effective and perfectly eliminates thyroid cancer.

Chemotherapy for thyroid cancer

Chemotherapy for thyroid cancer is often used for anaplastic thyroid cancer. In some cases, the method is used to treat symptoms of medullary cancer or for palliative treatment of advanced tumors.

All prescribed drugs are administered intravenously. Once in the bloodstream, they affect cancer cells throughout the body. Treatment must therefore be performed in a hospital or outpatient setting. In this case, much depends on the stage of the disease.

Side effects may occur as a result of chemotherapy. They mainly depend on the dosage taken and the drug used. Nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, weight loss and hair loss may occur. At the end of the course, all side effects go away. Thus, it is possible to effectively fight thyroid cancer and forget forever that such a problem ever bothered you.

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Chemotherapy drugs for thyroid cancer

Chemotherapy drugs for thyroid cancer are prescribed by a doctor, depending on the stage of the disease and its course. The most effective and common drugs are Bleomycin, Aclarubicin, Etoposide and Carboplatin.

Bleomycin fights malignant tumors at a high level. It is difficult to say anything about the dosage, this issue is entirely up to the attending physician.

Aclarubicin is taken at a rate of 25-30 mg/m2. The exact dosage is prescribed by a doctor. The drug effectively fights malignant neoplasms.

Etoposide. The solution is administered intravenously over 30-60 minutes. Prescribed at 100 mg/sq. m/day from day 1 to day 5, with cycles repeated every 3-4 weeks. Possible administration of 100-125 mg/sq. m on days 1, 3, 5, courses are repeated after 3 weeks. In general, the drug intake is individual and selected for each specific case.

Carboplatin is administered at a dose of 400 mg/m2 of body surface area, as an intravenous infusion. The duration of administration may vary from 15 minutes to 1 hour. The next course of therapy is prescribed no earlier than 4 weeks later.

All detailed information regarding these drugs is available from the doctor. With the help of these medications, it is easy to eliminate thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer treatment in Germany

Thyroid cancer treatment in Germany is based on standard methods. There is nothing special in the processes carried out. This can also be a regular therapy or surgical removal of part of the thyroid gland or the organ as a whole.

Naturally, German clinics have vast experience in working with this type of malignant neoplasms. Highly qualified specialists do their job perfectly and know how to act in case of serious complications. Moreover, it is envisaged that the patient will stay in the hospital during the rehabilitation period.

When a patient is admitted for treatment, the first step is a full diagnosis. It is necessary to determine the stage of the disease and the characteristics of its progression. Then, based on the data obtained, appropriate conclusions are made regarding further treatment. If necessary, surgical removal of the thyroid gland is performed. This is not a complicated procedure, but it is highly effective. In this case, thyroid cancer will not be able to recur.

Traditional treatment of thyroid cancer

Using folk remedies for thyroid cancer is risky, as with any other oncological disease. The therapeutic effect of medicinal plants can be expected for too long, which is very dangerous in cancer.

Alternative treatment of thyroid cancer should be monitored by the attending physician. General relief is usually observed after 2-3 months of effective treatment. However, it is worth noting that the course of treatment should last at least a year.

To cleanse the thyroid gland, it is recommended to use herbal mixtures or flaxseed infusion. The mixtures may include such plants as motherwort, chamomile, wormwood, dandelion roots and immortelle. A tablespoon of such a mixture should be poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 30 minutes. Then the remedy is taken in small sips between meals.

Dandelion root, echinacea, dyer's broom, cocklebur or kelp are excellent. The course of treatment should be carried out for at least one and a half months, every 2 weeks of rest.

Nettle, knotweed, licorice, valerian, mint and licorice are suitable for improving the condition. They can significantly reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, as well as relieve high blood pressure and tachycardia.

5% iodine or Lugol's solution is widely used as an internal treatment. They should be taken in drops, no more than one drop twice a week. Such treatment can cause overdoses, so special care should be taken.

An effective remedy can be prepared from white cinquefoil. To do this, take 100 grams of the herb and pour a liter of vodka over it. Infuse it all for 30 days. Then you can take 30 drops 20 minutes before meals. Thyroid cancer will recede if you do everything correctly.

An alcohol tincture is prepared from the root of the cinquefoil (which contains iodine): pour two tablespoons (50 g) of dry raw material into 500 ml of vodka, close the bottle tightly and leave in a dark place for 20-25 days. It is recommended to take 30 drops two or three times a day for a month for an enlarged thyroid gland. After a week's break, the course of treatment can be repeated.

A decoction of elecampane is prepared at the rate of one tablespoon of dry crushed roots and rhizomes per glass of boiling water. Keep in a closed container in a water bath for at least half an hour. The strained decoction at room temperature should be drunk 50-60 ml three times a day 40-45 minutes before meals.

It is also recommended to treat thyroid cancer with an alcohol tincture of propolis: take 30 drops of the tincture three times a day for a month (drop into a spoon of milk). The benefits of lemon with sugar for a hypertrophied thyroid gland are questionable, but traditional healers unanimously assure that the peel of this citrus has anti-cancer properties: if you eat two lemon slices daily with the peel (seasoning with sugar or honey), this helps cleanse their nodes.

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Treatment after thyroid cancer

Treatment after thyroid cancer, i.e. after thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy, is hormone replacement with the use of synthetic thyroid hormones - to ensure metabolism in the body, natural oxidative processes and protein synthesis, which occur with the participation of thyroid hormones. Therefore, these drugs should be taken for life.

Once the problem is corrected surgically or with the help of complex therapy, the patient simply has to monitor his own health.

Naturally, you will have to undergo medical examinations for a long time. This will prevent the cancer from recurring and simply ensure observation of the patient.

Situations are different and the rehabilitation period can also vary significantly. Therefore, after surgery or treatment, it is necessary to visit a medical institution for a long time. The patient must be well cared for. This will allow you to monitor the recovery process and prevent the development of other health problems.

Usually after cancer removal, the patient is prescribed hormonal drugs. Due to the absence or incomplete functioning of the thyroid gland. This information is provided exclusively by the attending physician and on an individual basis. Under no circumstances should you take hormones on your own. Thyroid cancer requires complete supervision by medical personnel.

Treatment of thyroid cancer is carried out according to a scheme depending on the type and stage of oncological damage to this endocrine organ.

Medicines containing synthetic thyroxine (T4) are prescribed - Levothyroxine sodium (L-thyroxine, Euthyrox, Eferox, Levothroid, Synthroid), which is converted into triiodothyronine (the active form of the hormone) in the body. The dosage is determined individually (75-150 mcg per day), taken once a day (in the morning, 30 minutes before meals).

The drug Triiodothyronine hydrochloride (Liothyronine, Levoxyl, Triiod, Tibon, Cytomel, etc.) contains synthetic triiodothyronine (T3) in the form of sodium liothyronine. It is prescribed at 5-60 mcg per day (depending on the condition). In addition, all patients after treatment for thyroid cancer are monitored by the treating oncologist-endocrinologist and once a year have blood tests for the content of TSH - thyrotropin produced by the pituitary gland; for the level of thyroxine and thyroglobulin (TG), as well as for the content of antibodies to thyroglobulin in the blood serum. In this way, a relapse of the disease can be detected.

But therapeutic methods of treating thyroid cancer, given the latent development of oncological disease in this localization, are very limited. Therefore, the correct treatment of thyroid cancer is surgical. The operation prolongs the life of an average of 93% of patients by at least ten years.