Thyroid Cancer Surgeries

Thyroid Cancer Treatment in Koramangala, Bangalore

Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland. You may not notice any symptoms in the early stages; however, you may experience swelling and pain in the neck. Some thyroid cancers may gradually develop, while others can be aggressive. In most cases, successful surgical treatment options can help to cure thyroid cancer.

What is Thyroid Cancer?

The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones to regulate essential body functions. Abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland leads to thyroid cancer. You may not experience any symptoms as some types of thyroid cancers have slow growth. With early diagnosis, thyroid cancer is curable.

What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?

Symptoms of thyroid cancer may not be noticeable in the early stages. They can be easily mistaken for other diseases. Here are some of the common symptoms of thyroid cancer:

• Change in vocals
• Pain in neck
• Cancerous lump in the neck
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Pain in throat

When to See a Doctor?

Thyroid cancer surgery needs expert care by experienced oncologists who can assess your tumor size and location to recommend a specific kind of surgery. If you experience symptoms of thyroid cancer, seek medical help.

Request an appointment at Apollo Hospitals

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

Surgeries in Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid lobectomy: In some cases, cancer growth is limited to a specific part of the gland. In thyroid lobectomy, the doctor removes the affected part of your thyroid gland. If you have a slow-growing tumor, this type of surgical treatment may be helpful.

Thyroidectomy: In this procedure, most of the thyroid gland tissues are removed due to abnormal cancerous growth. Surgery is usually aimed at reducing the risk posed by cancer. Thyroidectomy also reduces the risk that may impact your parathyroid gland. The parathyroid gland is useful in regulating calcium levels in your blood. Thyroidectomy is a minimally invasive surgery in which a small incision is made at the front of your neck, and the affected part of your gland is removed.

Lymph node removal: A type of thyroid cancer that leads to cancer formation in lymph nodes requires surgical removal of lymph nodes located in the neck. If cancer has spread to large lymph nodes, it is removed surgically. However, if there is abnormal cell growth in small lymph nodes, the doctor uses Radioactive iodine.

Radioactive iodine treatment: Apart from surgical treatment options, your doctor may also suggest radioactive iodine treatment. The course of this treatment depends upon the location and size of the cancer.

Radioactive iodine treatment is used to remove remaining cancer cells after surgery. If there is a risk of spreading cancer to other parts of your body, you may need to undergo iodine treatment. The doctor will prescribe iodine capsules which you may need to take orally. 
However, it may have side effects, such as -

• Dry mouth
• Inflammation
• Fatigue
• Change in the sense of taste or smell

Complications of Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Thyroid cancer surgery may lead to certain complications, such as -

• Excessive bleeding
• Chances of catching an infection
• Formation of blood clots, also known as a hematoma
• Feeling of numbness
• Impaired functioning of the parathyroid gland leads to a drop in calcium levels
• Nerve injury

Conclusion

If you have thyroid cancer, your doctor may suggest a widely used surgical treatment. Depending on the tumor's location and size, you need to get rid of either the cancerous part of the whole thyroid gland.