Papillary Thyroid Cancer

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• QHow does papillary thyroid cancer affect the body?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Thyroid cancer can spread to other parts of your body. Sometimes thyroid cancer can spread even after you have been treated for the disease or have had your thyroid surgically removed. Because thyroid cancer can spread so easily, your doctor will need to monitor your condition even if you have been in remission for years. Usually, recurring thyroid cancer can be treated.

• QShould I talk to my doctor about my papillary thyroid cancer symptoms?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Tell your doctor about any symptoms of thyroid cancer. Watch for lumps that you can feel in your neck or any trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking. The sooner you begin treating thyroid cancer, the better your chances of recovery.

• QAre there alternative treatments for papillary thyroid cancer?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  If you have thyroid cancer, you will need to follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment. Treatment will likely include surgery, and you may need radiation or chemotherapy afterwards. There are no known, reliable alternative treatments for thyroid cancer.

• QHow do I manage my papillary thyroid cancer symptoms on a daily basis?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  If you notice any symptoms of thyroid cancer, tell your doctor immediately. Watch for lumps in your neck or trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking. The sooner you discuss these symptoms with your doctor, the sooner you can begin treatment, and the sooner you begin treatment, the better your chance of a full recovery.

• QWhat do I need know about caring for someone with papillary thyroid cancer?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Someone with papillary thyroid cancer will need to time to recover after treatment. The person will likely have his or her thyroid gland surgically removed and may need additional radiation or chemotherapy treatment after surgery. Side effects from these treatments may cause nausea or other discomfort, so be patient and sensitive to the person's needs.

• QIs there a cure for papillary thyroid cancer?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Several treatment options can cure thyroid cancer. You will likely need to have your thyroid surgically removed, and may need additional treatment afterwards. Radiation and chemotherapy can kill cancer cells that cannot be removed surgically. However, thyroid cancer can return even after you have been in remission for years. Your doctor will closely monitor your condition, and even if thyroid cancer cells do return, the condition is still treatable.

• QDoes papillary thyroid cancer affect children differently than adults?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Papillary thyroid cancer usually occurs in older adults. It is rarely seen in children. However, if children do develop thyroid cancer, they will likely need to be screened for recurrences for the rest of their lives, even if the cancer is in remission. Children may also have to take thyroid hormone replacement medication if the thyroid is removed.

• QHow does an ultrasound diagnose papillary thyroid cancer?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your thyroid. Your doctor will move an ultrasound transducer near your neck. This enables your doctor to see the shape of your thyroid.

• QHow is papillary thyroid carcinoma treated?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  The right treatment for thyroid cancer will depend on how far your cancer has spread. Most likely you will need to have a thyroidectomy to surgically remove your thyroid gland. After surgery, you may need radiation treatment to kill any remaining cancer cells in your body. Your doctor may recommend radioactive iodine treatment or external beam radiation. In some cases, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy as well.
• QWhat is the treatment for papillary thyroid cancer?

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  A Dr. James A. Lee, MD , Surgery, answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of Surgery

  There are three main parts to the treatment of papillary thyroid cancer:

  • Surgery: The best treatment for papillary thyroid cancer is almost always total thyroidectomy (i.e. removal of the entire thyroid). There are a few very specific situations in which some doctors will remove only the half of the thyroid with the cancer (i.e. thyroid lobectomy), but most doctors recommend a total thyroidectomy
  • Thyroid Hormone Suppression: After removal of the entire thyroid, patients will need to take thyroid hormone replacement pills (usually one pill a day for the rest of their lives) in order to replace the hormone that the thyroid would normally make
  • Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Ablation: Depending on the final pathology, the patient may need RAI ablation or what some doctors call remnant ablation. RAI ablation is not like the traditional external beam radiation which can be difficult on patients. RAI ablation is a pill that is taken once and usually causes few side effects. In this therapy, radioactive iodine is given to destroy any remaining thyroid cells (both cancer and benign) after total thyroidectomy

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