Common types of thyroid cancer and tailored surgical treatments

Thyroid cancer, a relatively common malignancy affecting the thyroid gland, requires a comprehensive understanding and tailored treatment approaches. Among the various types, including papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer, surgical oncology plays a crucial role in thyroid cancer treatment. This article aims to delve into the characteristics of each type while highlighting the significance of thyroid cancer surgery in promoting successful outcomes.

Different types of thyroid cancer and tailored treatment approach

Though thyroid cancer surgery is the sole resounding answer in the face of malignancy, based on the nature of the thyroid cancer, the surgical approach is tailored and customized.

Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Papillary thyroid cancer is the most prevalent form, typically diagnosed in individuals aged 30 to 50. Despite its common occurrence, most cases of papillary thyroid cancer respond favorably to treatment, even when lymph nodes in the neck are affected. Surgical intervention, such as a total or near-total thyroidectomy, remains the primary treatment approach. This procedure involves removing the entire or a significant portion of the thyroid gland, providing the best chance of long-term survival and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Follicular Thyroid Cancer: Follicular thyroid cancer is relatively rare and commonly diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50. While it generally does not metastasize to lymph nodes, larger and more aggressive tumors may spread to other areas, particularly the lungs, and bones.

Surgical management typically involves a total or near-total thyroidectomy to eliminate the cancerous cells. Close monitoring and postoperative radioactive iodine therapy may also be employed to address potential metastatic lesions.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Originating from the C cells that produce the hormone calcitonin, medullary thyroid cancer requires a specialized approach. Early detection is possible through monitoring elevated levels of calcitonin in the blood. Surgical intervention, such as total or near-total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection, remains the primary treatment. In certain cases, prophylactic removal of nearby lymph nodes may be recommended to minimize the risk of spread. Genetic testing is essential as some medullary thyroid cancers are associated with a gene mutation called RET, warranting early intervention and monitoring for familial medullary thyroid cancer and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare, aggressive form of the disease that primarily affects older individuals. Due to its rapid growth and challenging treatment landscape, a multidisciplinary approach involving surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and

Papillary thyroid cancer is known as the most common type of thyroid cancer and falls under the group of ‘Differentiated thyroid cancer.’ It is also one of the most aggressive variations of thyroid cancer, which can speedily grow into the structures of the neck or even spread to other areas of the body. A thyroid cancer surgery is the foremost line of defense against papillary thyroid cancer; however, depending on the size of the malignancy and several other indications, different types of surgeries follow suit.

In this outline, we embark on depicting different types of papillary thyroid cancer surgeries and how effective they are in curing malignancy.

Surgical treatments for papillary thyroid cancer

The best thyroid cancer surgeon approaches the question of papillary thyroid cancer with three basic types of surgery: thyroid lobectomy, total thyroidectomy, and subtotal thyroidectomy. In due course, we will take a closer look at their primary indications and contextual application.

Thyroid lobectomy: Thyroid lobectomy is conducted through a small incision in the lower neck, preserving most of the critical structures, such as both the parathyroid glands and the nerves responsible for sending signals to the voice box.

Additionally, lymph nodes surrounding the thyroid gland are also further investigated for traces of malignancy.

This surgery is most suitable for small to intermediate (up to 2 cm) papillary thyroid cancers. Moreover, it poses little to no risk of hypoparathyroidism (low blood calcium), and you can safely return to normal activities within a few days.

Total thyroidectomy: However, when the papillary thyroid cancer is too large (more than 2 cm), or it has started spreading into the nearby lymph nodes, a total thyroidectomy might be the need of the hour. Often, the malignancy extends outside the surface of the thyroid gland (known as its capsule) to spread into the lateral neck lymph nodes. In such cases, lobectomy loses its efficacy. In this surgery, the entire thyroid gland is excised.