Thyroid Cancer

Advanced Treatment for Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. About 63,000 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society.

It occurs when abnormal malignant cells form a tumor in the thyroid gland. There are two main types of thyroid cancer:

• Papillary thyroid cancer
• Follicular thyroid cancer

Both grow slowly and are very often curable, especially when found early and in people younger than 45. Together, papillary and follicular thyroid cancers make up 80% to 90% of thyroid cancers.

The Penn Medicine | Virtua Cancer Program offers a range of diagnostic procedures, advanced treatment options, and personalized support services if you are diagnosed with thyroid cancer. You’ll receive an individualized treatment plan based on the stage of thyroid cancer as well as your age, health and personal choices.

Along with chemotherapy, the Penn Medicine | Virtua Cancer Program offers advanced treatment options, including:

• Thyroidectomy
  A surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue – the most common method of treatment for thyroid cancer.

• Radiation therapy
  High-energy, targeted rays kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

• Thyroid hormone treatment
  Hormone pills used to slow tumor growth.

• Radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy
  Used in the treatment of certain thyroid cancers, it is given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. The I-131 is taken by mouth (orally), either as a liquid or a capsule, and travels through the bloodstream to kill thyroid cancer cells throughout the body.