Thyroid Cancer Treatment in Utah
Thyroid cancer begins in the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck at the base of the throat. In most cases it is a slow-growing disease that can be treated successfully. It has a five-year survival rate of more than 98%.
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer:
Successful treatment of thyroid cancer is more likely when the patient is diagnosed early. Unfortunately, the disease often has few signs or symptoms and they vary from person to person.
If you do have signs or symptoms of thyroid cancer, they may include:
- A lump or nodule in the front of the neck
- Enlargement of the thyroid or swelling in the neck
- Pain in the front of the neck that may stretch to the ears
- Change in voice or hoarseness
- Breathing problems, especially the feeling that you are breathing through a straw
- A cough that does not go away and is not caused by a cold
- A cough with blood
- Swallowing problems.
These symptoms do not always mean you have cancer. However, it is important to discuss any signs or symptoms with your doctor, since they may signal other health problems.
Thyroid Cancer Treatment Options:
If you are diagnosed with thyroid cancer, your doctor will discuss the best options to treat it. This depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer and your general health. Your treatment for thyroid cancer will be customized to your particular needs. One or more of the following therapies may be recommended to treat the cancer or help relieve symptoms.
- Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer.
- Radiation therapy uses focused, high-energy photon beams to destroy cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy uses thyroid hormone pills to discourage the growth of cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy works by stopping or slowing the growth or spread of cancer.
- Chemotherapy works by killing fast-growing cells, including cancer cells.