Frequently asked question: How is differentiated thyroid cancer treated?

The treatment for this type of cancer is the surgical removal of the entire thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy). If metastasis to the lymph glands in the throat has occurred, then all of the lymph glands in the throat are removed. This operation is performed under general anesthesia. The removal of the thyroid gland must be performed very carefully due to the vulnerable nerves and the parathyroid glands which are situated near to it. To be sure that all cancer cells have been removed, a radioactive iodine treatment is also given after the surgery. Differentiated thyroid cancer cells are very sensitive to this treatment, so it destroys them completely. Once the thyroid gland has been removed, you must take levothyroxine (thyroid hormone) every day. In addition, the functioning of the parathyroid glands must also be carefully monitored.

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