Thyroid Cancer
Department of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the thyroid. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.
Thyroid cancer might not cause any symptoms at first. But as it grows, it can cause signs and symptoms, such as swelling in your neck, voice changes and difficulty swallowing.
Types
1.Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Most common, slow-growing.
2.Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma: Develops from follicular cells.
3.Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Originates in C cells, often hereditary.
4.Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: Rare, aggressive, and rapidly growing.
Diagnosis
1.Thyroid Ultrasound: Imaging to detect thyroid nodules.
2.Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Biopsy to analyze thyroid tissue.
3.Blood Tests: Assess thyroid function and detect tumor markers.
Treatment
1.Thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid.
2.Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Destroys remaining thyroid tissue.
3.Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Ensures normal thyroid function.
4.Targeted Therapy: Drugs targeting specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
Thyroid Cancer Overview
- Surgery Time: 3 to 6 hours
- Stay in the Country: 2 to 4 weeks
- Rehabilitation Duration: 4 to 8 weeks
- Price: €15,000 to €40,000
- Initial Consultation: Diagnosis through ultrasound, biopsy, and consultation with an endocrinologist.
- Pre-Surgery: Pre-operative tests and planning for thyroidectomy (partial or total removal).
- Surgery: Thyroidectomy, lasting 2 to 4 hours.
- Post-Surgery: Hospital stay for 1 to 2 days, with monitoring for complications.
- Rehabilitation: Short recovery period with follow-up for hormone levels and any necessary radioactive iodine treatment.
- Final Recovery: Ongoing follow-up to monitor hormone levels and ensure no recurrence.
