Being diagnosed with thyroid cancer can be overwhelming and bring up a lot of uncertainty and fear. But, fortunately, most thyroid cancers are highly treatable, especially when caught early. There are several types of thyroid cancer, and each type grows differently and requires specific treatment approaches. In this blog, we’ll walk through the main types and the treatments available, so you can feel more informed and prepared. Let’s cover some basics first, so you can get an idea of what exactly is thyroid cancer.
What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer develops when cells in the thyroid gland begin to grow uncontrollably. The thyroid, located in the front of the neck, helps regulate metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. In many cases, thyroid cancer grows slowly and can be treated successfully, especially when detected early. Often, changes in thyroid hormone levels or the presence of a lump in the neck lead doctors to recommend a thyroid profile test, which helps assess thyroid function and may indicate if further tests, such as an ultrasound or biopsy, are needed. The condition is more common in women and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60.
What are the Types of Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is of several types, each with its own characteristics, growth patterns, and treatment approaches:
Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type, accounting for about 70–80% of all cases. It usually grows slowly and often remains confined to the thyroid gland. Many patients do not notice any symptoms early, though it can sometimes appear as a painless lump in the neck.
Follicular Thyroid Cancer
Follicular thyroid cancer is less common and tends to grow slightly faster than papillary cancer. In some cases, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones. Patients may notice a lump in the neck or experience changes in their voice or difficulty swallowing if the tumour presses on surrounding tissues.
Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)
Medullary thyroid cancer develops from the C cells in the thyroid, which produce a hormone called calcitonin. It accounts for about 3–4% of thyroid cancers. Some cases are linked to genetic syndromes, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN). Patients may notice a firm lump in the neck and, in some cases, hormonal symptoms like diarrhoea or flushing.
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare and aggressive, representing less than 2% of thyroid cancers. It grows quickly and can spread to nearby tissues and organs. Anaplastic thyroid cancer symptoms often notice a rapidly enlarging neck mass, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or breathing problems if the tumour compresses the windpipe or oesophagus.
Other Rare Types
There are also other rare types of thyroid cancer, including Hürthle cell carcinoma, a subtype of follicular cancer that may behave more aggressively and sometimes resists radioactive iodine therapy. Very rare variants exist as well, and each is evaluated individually by specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment Options for Thyroid Cancer
The treatment plan for thyroid cancer is determined by the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient’s overall health. Doctors often use a combination of treatments to remove or destroy cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Here are the main treatment approaches along with the types of thyroid cancer they are employed for:
Surgery
Surgery involves removing part of the thyroid (lobectomy) or the entire gland (total thyroidectomy), and sometimes nearby lymph nodes if the cancer has spread. The goal is to remove the tumour completely, prevent further spread, and provide tissue for accurate diagnosis and staging. Recovery is usually manageable, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few weeks.
Surgery is most commonly used for papillary, follicular, and medullary thyroid cancers, where it can often be curative, especially when the cancer is detected early.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Radioactive iodine therapy uses a radioactive form of iodine that is absorbed by thyroid cells to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue or microscopic cancer cells after surgery. This therapy helps reduce the risk of recurrence and can target cancer cells that are not visible on scans.
This treatment is primarily used for papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, which respond well to radioactive iodine and benefit from the targeted elimination of residual cancer cells.
Thyroid Hormone Therapy
Thyroid hormone therapy replaces the hormones normally produced by the thyroid and suppresses thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which can encourage cancer growth. The therapy helps maintain normal metabolism, energy levels, and overall health while lowering the risk of cancer recurrence.
This therapy is used for all types of thyroid cancer after thyroid removal, ensuring the body functions normally despite the absence of a thyroid gland.
External Radiation Therapy
External radiation therapy delivers high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours. It can control tumour growth, relieve symptoms such as pain or difficulty swallowing, and is delivered over multiple sessions with side effects typically limited to the treated area.
This therapy is most commonly used for anaplastic thyroid cancer or advanced medullary thyroid cancer, especially when additional local control of the tumour is required after surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to target and destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. It is often combined with other treatments to increase effectiveness and control tumour growth. Side effects can include fatigue, nausea, and lowered immunity, but it is a critical tool for aggressive disease.
Chemotherapy is primarily used for anaplastic thyroid cancer, particularly in cases where the cancer is aggressive or has spread beyond the thyroid.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy attacks specific genetic or molecular changes in cancer cells, while immunotherapy enhances the body’s immune system to fight cancer more effectively. These therapies can slow cancer progression and control tumour growth in advanced cases.
These treatments are generally used for advanced or treatment-resistant cases of medullary or anaplastic thyroid cancer, especially when conventional treatments alone may not be sufficient.
Conclusion
Being told you have thyroid cancer can be scary at first, but it’s important to remember that treatment outcomes for most types are very promising. Treatments today are far more precise and effective, and many people go on to live completely healthy lives after recovery. If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You can consult some of the top cancer doctors in India to discuss the most suitable treatment approach and take the next step towards recovery with confidence.
