Thyroid Surgery Alternatives

Thyroid surgery is a common treatment for thyroid cancer, because of its successfulness and the unlikeness of the disease reoccurring. However, depending on the severity of the disease, there are alternatives to surgery that may work. These should be discussed with a doctor to determine the effectiveness of the alternative for you.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can be used to treat anaplastic thyroid cancer and relieve the symptoms of other types of cancer. It is a medication that is usually injected in the vein that kills off cancer cells. This type of therapy not only targets the thyroid cancer, but the entire body. It is known to have side effects such as hair loss, vomiting and loss of appetite.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is also known as internal radiation therapy. It works by placing radioactive material inside the body. The therapy uses radiation from X-rays and gamma rays placed close to the body to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Doctors are able to provide higher doses of radiation to specific area.

External Radiation Therapy

External radiation therapy is similar to brachytherapy. It also uses radiation from X-rays and gamma rays to kill cancer cells. It works by using a beam that treats the gland by passing through skin and tissues. As well as treating the gland, the therapy can be used to prevent cancer cells from spreading.

Thyroid Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is usually used in treating follicular and papillary thyroid cancer. A common hormone medication used is levothyroxine; however, others may be used. These medications work by stimulating the pituitary gland so that the thyroid stimulating hormone produces less, because it is what causes the growth of the thyroid. It stops cancer cells from growing and thyroid cancer from reoccurring.