Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

Treatment of thyroid cancer is prescribed by the attending physician.

It can be conducted according to several basic principles. The first option involves the use of a fine needle aspiration biopsy. It is conducted under ultrasound control and allows you to diagnose cancer. All nodes that will be identified during this procedure should be punctured. But this applies only to those nodes whose diameter exceeds 1 cm. Without carrying out fine-needle biopsy, further competent planning of patient treatment is impossible.

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

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

The fourth principle is careful monitoring of patients. And it is produced for a long time. All these techniques can effectively eliminate thyroid cancer.

Treatment of papillary thyroid cancer

Treatment of papillary thyroid cancer, of which out of every ten oncological diagnoses the thyroid gland is eight, as well as the 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 oncology surgery the most effective method is thyroidectomy (direct or endoscopic), in which both lobes of the gland are completely excised, as well as the isthmus that connects them.

Specialists note that all other surgical techniques - the removal of one lobe of the gland (hemithyroidectomy), subtotal resection (the part of the second lobe of the gland is not removed), the exudation (enucleation) of pathological formation - are in this case a mistake. Similar operations, like treatment of thyroid cancer with the help of 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 effects of treatment - oncologists resort to the removal of lymph nodes (lymphadenectomy) with the surrounding tissues. For example, if cervical lymph nodes, localized in the zone of the neurovascular bundle, are hypertrophied, a part of the neck tissue is resected from the side where the tumor was. And such a combined operation is called the simultaneous removal of the primary focus and the zones of regional metastasis.

After removal of the gland and lymph nodes treatment of papillary thyroid cancer enters the second stage, when radioiodine therapy is used. The patient takes inside the gelatin capsule with the radioactive isotope iodine-131, which penetrates only into the cells of the thyroid gland that receive this halogen and causes their death (ablation effect) under the action 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 do not suffer from this, although long-term follow-up of patients after such treatment shows the possibility of complications in the form of leukemia, salivary gland cancer, bladder or mammary glands.

After the treatment with radioactive iodine, a complete scan of the patients (WBS) is performed - to detect the presence of thyroid tissue remains not removed during the operation, as well as the location of the thyroid gland in the body. In both cases, a repeated course of radioiodine therapy is prescribed with an increase in the dose of the radioactive isotope of iodine.

In addition to radioiodine therapy, other methods of treatment are used for papillary and follicular cancer, in particular, remote radiation therapy. When the tumor sprouts into the trachea and touches the innervating muscle of the larynx the recurrent nerve, it is considered inoperable, and it is irradiated. However, as oncologists say, the effectiveness of traditional radiotherapy in differentiated forms of thyroid cancer is half the level of treatment with radioactive iodine.

By the way, in all the clinics in Germany, according to the guidelines of the German Cancer Society, thyroid cancer (papillary and follicular) is treated with the standard operating procedure (SOP) - the administration of radioactive isotope iodine to patients. But from the use of radiation and chemotherapy for this oncological pathology in Germany have long been abandoned.

Treatment of medullary thyroid cancer

To date, in all operable cases, the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer provides total thyroidectomy with the excision of practical all nearby lymph nodes and surrounding tissues.

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

It should be borne in mind that in medullary cancer, the method of radioiodine therapy is not used, since tumor cells of this variety are immune to radioactive iodine. Although this method can be used to atrophy the remaining cells after the operation of the thyroid gland.

Chemotherapy in the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer is used in the inoperable IV stage of the disease, with a rapid increase in the tumor, and also in the case of the appearance of distant metastases. Most often, chemotherapy is performed by intravenous or intramuscular injection of such drugs as anticancer antibiotics Doxorubicin (Adryblastine, Kelix, Sindroxocin) or Bleomycin (Blanoxan), as well as platinum-containing cytostatics (Cisplatinum and others).

Medical methods of treatment of thyroid cancer, in particular, medullary cancer, include targeted (targeted) drugs that affect the growth of cancer cells. These medicines include Vandetanib (Capresa) and Vocrient (Pazopanib), which bind to the tyrosine kinase receptor (RTK) and block the epidermal growth factor (EGFR) of cancer cells. As a result, these cells stop metabolism, and they lose the ability to proliferate. One tablet of the drug is taken once a day. The minimum daily dose is 400 mg, the maximum - 800 mg. Among the side effects of these drugs are abdominal pain, nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, skin rashes, increased blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, headache and fatigue.

Suppressive Thyroid Cancer Therapy

Suppressive thyroid cancer therapy 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 possess TSH receptors, so in response to their stimulation, the activity of adenylate cyclase increases. With papillary and follicular carcinoma, the frequency of relapses is reduced due to suppressive therapy.

Side effects of high doses of thyroid hormones can cause the development of osteoporosis, violations of myocardial contractility, increased heart rate, atrial arrhythmias. Therefore, the application of this technique is a very effective way to get rid of the problem. Thyroid cancer excellently succumbs to such therapy. It is important to begin treatment on time and under the supervision of the attending physician. In this case, the efficiency rises many times.

Drugs for suppressive thyroid cancer

Drugs for suppressive thyroid cancer are selected exclusively by the attending physician. In general, the choice falls on the use of the drug L¬ thyroxine.

The optimal suppressive dose is a calculation of 2.3-2.5 μg / kg. Before starting the application, it is recommended to perform highly sensitive methods of TSH analysis, allowing to detect its presence in the serum in concentrations of about 0.01 MED / l.

Somatulin is also widely used. It allows you to fight against malignant tumors. Information on the 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. In the appointment of this drug, a number of key factors are taken into account, including the stage of the disease, the course and the characteristics of the organism. Information regarding dosage is provided exclusively by the doctor in charge.

Drugs for suppressive therapy are ordinary hormones, which should be taken with extreme caution. In this case, thyroid cancer will recede.

[1], [2], [3]

Radioiodine therapy of thyroid cancer

Radioiodine therapy of 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 dose of radioactive iodine is delivered to malignant cells, with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.

In medullary and anaplastic cancer, the technique is not used, because, as cancer cells in this case, can not be treated with radioactive iodine.

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

Carrying out such therapy should include the mandatory presence of a person in a hospital. Radioactive iodine is excreted for 3 weeks. To protect the bladder from the negative effects of iodine, a large amount of liquid is taken. This therapy will eliminate thyroid cancer.

Radiation therapy of thyroid cancer

Radiation therapy for thyroid cancer can be prescribed in all forms of the disease. Especially with tumors that can not be eliminated by means of treatment with radioactive iodine.

Widely used in secondary tumor or metastasis. Combined use in combination with surgery, hormone therapy or chemotherapy is not excluded.

In general, radiation is directed to the neck 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 should be noted that radiation therapy can cause side effects, which depend on the dose of radiation and the place of irradiation.

The skin in the area of treatment becomes inflamed, dry. There is a constant feeling of fatigue, especially in the last weeks of completing the full course of treatment. Side effects often disappear right after the course ends. Such therapy is very effective and excellently removes thyroid cancer.

Chemotherapy for thyroid cancer

Chemotherapy for thyroid cancer is often used in the anaplastic form of the disease. In some cases, the method is used to treat a reduction in the symptoms of medullary cancers or for palliative treatment of a common late stage tumoral process.

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

As a result of the transferred chemotherapy, side effects can be observed. Basically, they depend on the dosage taken and the drug that was used. There may be nausea, vomiting, ulcers in the mouth, loss in weight and hair. At the end of the course, all side effects go away. Thus, it is possible to effectively fight against thyroid cancer and forget for ever that such a problem has ever bothered.

[4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

Drugs for chemotherapy for thyroid cancer

Drugs for chemotherapy 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, Aklarubicin, Etoposide and Carboplatin.

Bleomycin fights with malignant formations at a high level. Talking about the dosage is difficult, the doctor in charge is fully engaged in this matter.

Aklarubicin is taken with a calculation of 25-30 mg / m2. The exact dosage is prescribed by the doctor. The drug effectively fights against malignant neoplasms.

Etoposide. The solution is administered intravenously for 30-60 minutes. Assign to 100 mg / square. M / day from 1 to 5 days, with repetition of cycles every 3-4 weeks. Possible the introduction of 100-125 mg / square. M in 1, 3, 5 days, the courses are repeated after 3 weeks. In general, the drug is administered individually and is selected for each specific case.

Carboplatin is prescribed in a dose of 400 mg / m2 body surface, as an intravenous infusion. Duration of administration can 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 medications is available from the doctor. With the help of these drugs, thyroid cancer can be easily eliminated.

Treatment of thyroid cancer in Germany

Treatment of thyroid cancer in Germany is based on standard techniques. Nothing special in the ongoing processes. It can also be an ordinary therapy or a surgical removal of a part of the thyroid gland or an organ as a whole.

Naturally, the clinics of Germany have a huge experience of working with this kind of malignant neoplasms. Highly qualified specialists perfectly perform their work and know how to deal with serious complications. Moreover, it provides for the patient to be in the hospital during the rehabilitation period.

When entering the treatment, the first case is a complete diagnosis. It is necessary to determine the stage of the disease and the features of its course. Then, on the basis of the data obtained, appropriate conclusions are drawn regarding further treatment. If necessary, surgical removal of the thyroid gland. This is not a complicated procedure, but it is highly effective. Cancer of the thyroid gland in this case can not recur.

Alternative treatment of thyroid cancer

Apply alternative treatment for thyroid cancer is risky, as with any other cancer. The therapeutic effect of medicinal plants can be expected for too long, which is very dangerous in cancer.

Unconventional treatment of thyroid cancer should be controlled by the attending physician. Usually, after 2-3 months of effective treatment, general relief is observed. But it is worth noting the fact that the course of treatment should last at least a year.

To cleanse the thyroid gland, it is recommended to use herbal or flaxseed extracts. Collections can include plants such as motherwort, chamomile, wormwood, dandelion roots and immortelle. A tablespoon of this mixture should be filled with a glass of boiling water and insist for 30 minutes. Then, in small sips, the remedy is taken in breaks between meals.

Perfectly suited root of a dandelion, echinacea, dyke dye, cocklebur or sea kale. The course of treatment should be conducted for at least a month and a half, every 2 weeks of rest.

To improve the condition, nettle, sporich, licorice, valerian, mint and licorice will suit. They can significantly reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, as well as relieve high blood pressure and tachycardia.

As an internal treatment, 5% iodine or lugol is widely used. Take them with drops, not more than one drop twice a week. Such treatment can cause overdoses, so you need to take extra care.

An effective remedy can be prepared from tan white. To do this, take 100 grams of grass and fill it with a liter of vodka. Insists all this for 30 days. Then you can take 30 drops 20 minutes before eating. Thyroid cancer will recede if done right.

From the root of the lapchatka (which contains iodine), alcoholic tincture is prepared: two tablespoons (50 g) of dry raw material pour 500 ml of vodka, close the bottle tightly and insist 20-25 days in a dark place. It is recommended to take with an enlarged thyroid gland within a month for 30 drops two or three times a day. After a one-week break, you can repeat the course of treatment.

Decoction of elephant is prepared based on one tablespoon of dry crushed roots and rhizomes on a glass of boiling water. On a water bath keep in sealed container for at least half an hour. A filtered room temperature broth should be drunk 50-60 ml three times a day for 40-45 minutes before meals.

It is also recommended treatment of thyroid cancer with an alcoholic tincture of propolis: within a month, take 30 drops of tincture (drip in a spoonful of milk) three times a day. The use of lemon and sugar with hypertrophied thyroid gland causes doubts, but alternative healers unanimously assure that the rind of this citrus has anti-cancer properties: if you consume two lemon circles each day with skin (seasoning with sugar or honey), it helps to cleanse their nodes.

[9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

Treatment after thyroid cancer

Treatment after thyroid cancer, that is after thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy, is hormone replacement with the use of synthetic thyroid hormones - to ensure metabolism in the body, natural oxidation processes and the synthesis of proteins that occur with the involvement of thyroid hormones. Therefore, these drugs should be drunk for life.

Once the problem is eliminated surgically or with the help of complex therapy, the patient can simply 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 provide patient care.

Situations are different and the rehabilitation period is also able to fluctuate significantly. Therefore, after the operation or treatment you need to visit a medical institution for a long time. The patient should have good care. This will allow controlling the process of recovery and preventing the development of other health problems.

Usually, after removing the cancer, the patient is prescribed to take hormonal preparations. Due to the lack or incomplete functioning of the thyroid gland. This information is provided exclusively by the attending physician and on an individual basis. It is by no means impossible to take hormones on your own. Thyroid cancer requires full control by medical personnel.

Treatment for thyroid cancer is carried out according to a scheme that depends on the type and stage of cancer of the endocrine organ.

Assign medicines containing synthetic thyroxine (T4) - levothyroxine sodium (L-thyroxine, Eutirox, Eferox, Levotroid, Synthroid), which in the body is converted to triiodothyronine (the active form of the hormone). Dosage is determined on an individual basis (75-150 mcg per day), taken once a day (in the morning, 30 minutes before meals).

Triiodothyronine hydrochloride (Lyotyronin, Levoxil, Triiod, Tibon, Cytomel, etc.) contains synthetic triiodothyronine (T3) as sodium lyrotonin. Assigned to 5-60 mcg per day (depending on the condition). In addition, all patients after the treatment of thyroid cancer are observed in the treating oncologist-endocrinologist and once a year hand over blood tests for the maintenance of TSH - produced by the pituitary gland of thyrotropin; on the level of thyroxine and thyroglobulin (TG), as well as on the serum levels of antibodies to thyroglobulin. In this way, a relapse of the disease can be detected.

But the therapeutic methods of treating thyroid cancer, given the latent development of cancer of this localization, are very limited. Therefore, the correct treatment of thyroid cancer is surgically. Operation for at least ten years extends life on average 93% of patients.