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Endocrine Surgery

Thyroid Disease Center

Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Thyroid nodules are the most common endocrine problem in the country. Although thyroid nodules are very common, fewer than one in 100 are cancerous. The best test used to determine whether a nodule is cancerous is an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of a thyroid nodule. Mindful of patient's convenience, we offer these biopsies in our office.

If a nodule does prove to be suspicious or is clearly a cancer, we design a rational approach to treatment based on risks of recurrence or metastasis, including coordination of postoperative radioactive iodine treatment as indicated. Additionally, we provide for genetic testing for patients and their families for uncommon tumors such as medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Long-term Follow-up Care

Currently, it is recommended that, except for very low risk patients, those with thyroid cancer receive treatment that will eliminate any traces of thyroid tissue that could lead to a future return of the cancer. Thryoid remnanat ablation is a treatment that uses small amounts of radioiodine to destroy any remaining thryoid tissue. In addition to ablation, patients are given thyroid hormone therapy, which has been shown to reduce the risk of the tumor returning.

Patients with a history of thyroid cancer should have annual ultrasound scans, as well as blood tests to look for hormones and other substances that might suggest the return of the cancer.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer

The hormone calcitonin is made by cells in the inner, medullary region of the thyroid gland. Monitoring blood levels of calcitonin is an effective way to identify recurring tumors in patients with medullary thyroid cancer who have had a thyroidectomy. Ultrasound of the neck is another sensitive method for identifying traces of the disease. It is recommended that patients continue to have their blood calcitonin levels measured for at least 5 years.