Thyroid Cancer Treatment

The main treatment options for thyroid cancer include surgery such as lobectomy or total thyroidectomy, followed by radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, thyroid hormone therapy, external beam radiation and targeted therapy for advanced cases. At Thangam Cancer Center, doctors choose the best combination based on the cancer type, stage and patient health. 

The common surgeries for thyroid cancer are total thyroidectomy, where the entire thyroid is removed, and lobectomy, which removes only one lobe. Some patients may also need lymph node dissection if cancer has spread. Surgeons at Thangam Cancer Center recommend the safest option based on tumor size and location. 

Surgery is needed for thyroid cancer when a biopsy confirms the cancer, meaning the tumor is confined to the thyroid gland. Doctors may also recommend surgery if a thyroid nodule is strongly suspected of being cancerous, even before it spreads. The type of surgery depends on the tumor size, location and whether lymph nodes are involved. At Thangam Cancer Center, our specialists use imaging and biopsy results to decide the safest and most effective surgical approach for each patient. 

The best thyroid cancer treatment in India depends on the cancer type and stage. Most patients benefit from surgery followed by RAI therapy and thyroid hormone suppression therapy. Advanced cases may require targeted drugs or radiation. Thangam Cancer Center provides personalized treatment plans using all modern options. 

Yes, thyroid cancer is highly curable in India, especially when detected early. Most patients with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer achieve excellent long-term outcomes after surgery and RAI therapy. At Thangam Cancer Center, early diagnosis and tailored care further improve cure rates. 

Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is used after surgery to target and destroy remaining thyroid cells, including any microscopic cancer cells that may be left behind to reduce recurrence. It is most effective for papillary and follicular thyroid cancers because these cells absorb iodine. At Thangam Cancer Center, RAI dosage is customized based on tumor characteristics and risk factors. 

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is usually recommended for high-risk thyroid cancers, especially Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) and Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC). Doctors may also advise EBRT when: 

• The cancer cannot be completely removed by surgery 
• The tumor does not absorb radioactive iodine (RAI) 
• Cancer has spread outside the thyroid to nearby tissues 
• There is a high chance of the cancer returning in the neck 

At Thangam Cancer Center, EBRT is considered only when it provides a clear advantage in controlling the disease or reducing symptoms. 

No, surgery is not necessary for every thyroid cancer patient. For very small low-risk tumors, doctors may recommend active surveillance (watchful waiting) whereas some aggressive thyroid cancers may not fully respond to surgery alone and may need additional treatments like radiation, RAI therapy, or targeted therapy. At Thangam Cancer Center, doctors evaluate each case before recommending surgery. 

Thyroid cancer treatment timelines vary. Surgery recovery usually takes 2–3 weeks, RAI therapy may take a few days to weeks, and thyroid hormone therapy continues long-term. Follow-up scans and blood tests monitor recovery. At Thangam Cancer Center, patients receive structured post-treatment care to ensure smooth healing and long-term monitoring.