Thyroid cancer develops in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It is one of the most treatable cancers, especially when detected early. With modern diagnostic tools and advanced treatment options, outcomes for thyroid cancer patients are excellent.

What Is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the thyroid gland. There are several types:

1. Papillary Thyroid Cancer (Most Common)

Slow-growing and highly treatable.

2. Follicular Thyroid Cancer

Less common but still very responsive to treatment.

3. Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Can be sporadic or linked with hereditary syndromes.

4. Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Rare and aggressive, requiring urgent and multimodal treatment.

Each type requires a different treatment plan, and expert evaluation is essential.

Risk Factors

Common risk factors include:

• Radiation exposure to the neck

• Family history of thyroid cancer

• Genetic syndromes (MEN 2A, MEN 2B)

• Iodine deficiency

• Female gender (more common in women)

• Age 25–65 years

Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop cancer, but awareness helps early detection.

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer may not cause symptoms in early stages. As it grows, symptoms may include:

• A painless neck lump or swelling

• Difficulty swallowing

• Hoarseness or voice change

• Neck or throat pain

• Enlarged lymph nodes

• Breathing difficulty (advanced cases)

Any persistent neck lump should be evaluated by an oncologist.

How Is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

At I D Cancer Center, we follow a systematic and advanced diagnostic approach:

1. Neck Ultrasound

Identifies suspicious thyroid nodules and lymph nodes.

2. FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology)

Gold standard for confirming cancer.

3. Thyroid Function Tests

Evaluates hormone levels.

4. CT Scan / MRI / PET-CT

Assesses local spread and distant metastasis.

5. Genetic Testing

Used for medullary thyroid cancer (RET mutation).

Stages of Thyroid Cancer

• Stage I–III: Limited to thyroid or nearby tissues

• Stage IV: Spread to lymph nodes, lungs, or bones

Most papillary and follicular cancers have excellent prognosis even at advanced stages.

Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center

We provide multi-disciplinary, patient-focused care using the latest technology.

1. Surgery (Primary Treatment)

Types include:

• Total thyroidectomy

• Hemithyroidectomy

• Neck lymph node removal (if needed)

Performed by experienced head & neck surgeons for best outcomes.

2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI)

Used for:

• Papillary & follicular cancers

• High-risk or residual disease

• Metastatic disease

RAI specifically targets thyroid cancer cells with minimal side effects.

3. Hormone Suppression Therapy

Thyroid hormone tablets suppress TSH to reduce risk of recurrence.

4. Advanced Radiotherapy (IMRT / VMAT / IGRT)

Indicated for:

• Inoperable thyroid cancers

• Post-operative residual disease

• Recurrent thyroid cancer

• Anaplastic thyroid cancer

At I D Cancer Center, we use IMRT, VMAT, IGRT, and Adaptive Radiotherapy to protect critical structures such as the spinal cord, parotid glands, esophagus, and airway.

5. Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapy

Used in advanced or metastatic thyroid cancers, especially:

• Medullary thyroid cancer

• Anaplastic thyroid cancer

• Radioiodine-refractory tumors

Targeted therapies like TKIs (Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors) offer improved outcomes.

Why Choose I D Cancer Center for Thyroid Cancer Treatment?

• Expert care by Dr. Sunil Kumar, SGPGIMS-trained oncologist

• State-of-the-art radiotherapy: IMRT, VMAT, SRS, Adaptive RT

• Multidisciplinary team: ENT surgeon, endocrinologist, medical oncologist

• Latest diagnostic tools and precision treatment

• Patient-centric environment with supportive care

• Long-term follow-up and survivorship guidance

We focus on cure, comfort, and preserving quality of life.

Life After Thyroid Cancer Treatment

• Thyroid hormone monitoring

• Ultrasound scans

• Periodic tumor marker tests

• Voice and swallow rehabilitation if needed

We guide you through recovery, nutrition, and emotional support.