How is thyroid cancer typically treated?

Thyroid cancer is primarily treated through surgery, which is the most common initial approach. The surgical procedure usually involves the removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) and, depending on the type and stage of cancer, may also include the removal of nearby lymph nodes. Following surgery, radioactive iodine therapy is often employed, particularly for certain types of thyroid cancer such as papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. This treatment helps to eliminate any remaining cancer cells that are not visible or accessible during surgery and reduces the risk of recurrence.

The use of chemotherapy alone is not a standard treatment for most types of thyroid cancer, as these cancers generally do not respond well to chemotherapy. Similarly, radiation therapy may be used in some circumstances, but it is not considered the primary treatment method for thyroid cancer, particularly when surgical options are available. Medications alone typically do not address the underlying disease and are not sufficient for managing thyroid cancer. Therefore, the combination of surgery followed by targeted therapies like radioactive iodine is the most effective and standard treatment approach for thyroid cancer.