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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Recent thyroid cancer diagnosis
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Recent thyroid cancer diagnosis
by jillire1981, Oct 08, 2009 01:13PM
After finding a lump on my thyroid in April and having a suspicious biopsy in August, I had my thyroid removed last Friday. It was a very fast growing lump with irregular borders and calcifications on the ultrasound. The surgeon took the entire thing out as soon as he saw and felt it because he said he knew it was cancer right away. It was confirmed as papillary cancer by the pathologist. I was told it would very likely need to have radioactive iodine treatments twice, once in 6-8 weeks and again in 6 months and was started on 100mcg of levothyroxine. I go back to see both the ENT surgeon and my endocrinologist on the 29th to talk about a course of action. What is the deciding factor in people needing or not needing to do the radioactive iodine treatments? Is thyroid cancer considered to be in remission after the thyroid is removed or does it take a certain period of time being cancer free? How often will I need to be rechecked to see if the cancer has come back?
Thank you,
Jill
Thank you,
Jill
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Oct 11, 2009 03:25PM
, Oct 11, 2009 03:25PM
The decision about radioactive iodine depends on the surgical pathology report.
Single, small (< 2cm) classic papillary cancers that are not extending beyond the thyroid or involving lymph nodes are usually not treated.
We usually don't plan on giving more than one dose of I-131.....
We usually followup with ultrasound 6 months after initial therapy, then periodically (on average, yearly). Labs and sometimes I-131 scanning are also part of follow-up.
Remission / cure rates are very high -- usually at 6 months, we can be fairly accurate regarding the response to initial therapy (surgery w/ w/o I-131).
Single, small (< 2cm) classic papillary cancers that are not extending beyond the thyroid or involving lymph nodes are usually not treated.
We usually don't plan on giving more than one dose of I-131.....
We usually followup with ultrasound 6 months after initial therapy, then periodically (on average, yearly). Labs and sometimes I-131 scanning are also part of follow-up.
Remission / cure rates are very high -- usually at 6 months, we can be fairly accurate regarding the response to initial therapy (surgery w/ w/o I-131).
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