THE FACTS OF THYROID CANCER

• Thyroid cancer accounts for 1% of all of the cancers out there.
• Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (what I have) is the most common and treatable type of thyroid cancer
• There is a 90% success rate for me particularly since I am under 40 years of age

There are three types of thyroid cancer treatment:
Surgery
Radioactive iodine
Medication

Surgery is done to remove as much of the cancer as possible. The bigger the lump, the more of the thyroid gland must be removed. Frequently, the entire gland is taken out.

After the surgery, most (but not all) patients receive radioactive iodine, which is usually taken by mouth. This substance kills any remaining thyroid tissue. It also helps make medical images more clear, so doctors can see if there is any additional cancer.

After surgery, the patient will need to take medication called levothyroxine sodium for the rest of their life. This replaces the hormone that they thyroid would normally make.

The patient will need a blood test every 3 to 6 months to check thyroid levels, and an imaging test called a radioactive iodine (I-131) uptake scan once a year.

Outlook (Prognosis)
The survival rate for papillary thyroid cancer is excellent. More than 95% of adults with such cancer survive at least 10 years. The prognosis is better for patients younger than 40 and for those with smaller tumors (YEAH!!)