Thyroid Cancer - Patient Resource Page
NOTE: The key to health success is working with your team of medical professionals. This page and Bubl Health act as supplements to care from a qualified and licensed physician.
Start Here - General Thyroid Cancer Information
American Thyroid Association
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Mayo Clinic
WEBMD
Endocrineweb
Thyroid cancer Center
Types of Thyroid Cancer (% Approximate Frequency)
Papillary Thyroid Cancer - 85%
Follicular Thyroid Cancer - 10%
Hurthle Cell Thyroid Cancer - 5%
Medullary Thyroid Cancer - 3%
Anaplastic Throid Cancer - 1%
Understanding Treatment Options
Thyroidectomy, the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid, is the most common Thyroid Cancer treatment. This is paired with daily thyroid hormone pills post-op. Work with your Endocrinologist to devise a treatment plan that works for you.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Mayo Clinic Diagnosis and Treatment
ATA Thyroid Surgery
Synthroid
What to Expect After your Thyroidectomy (From a fellow Thyroid Cancer Survivor)
Talk to your Endocrinologist about post-op expectations and best practice.
You won’t feel like yourself for the next few weeks, take it easy.
Be patient, you will feel better.
If your throat is sensitive or sore, start out with softer, gentler foods.
Your bowels may take a few days to wake up after general anesthesia. Prunes and dates help.
After taking your medication in the morning, you have to wait an hour before eating breakfast and drinking liquids other than water.
Things will not quite feel the same after your Thyroidectomy, but you will find your new normal.
At times, you may feel like you do not have full control over your body.
Understanding Thyroid Levels
The Thyroid produces T4 and T3 hormones that play an important role in regulating metabolism and weight, body temperature, mood, muscle control, digestion, growth, brain function and development, heart function, and cellular energy consumption. After a Thyroidectomy, when taking daily thyroid hormone pills, work with your Endocrinologist to make sure you are receiving the correct dosage. Your dosage may be adjusted frequently. An incorrect dosage of thyroid hormones can upset your thyroid levels.
ThyCa
Medline Plus
Healthline
Medical News Today
Programs and Resources
ATA 2020 Virtual Summer Webinars
ATA Thyroid Cancer and COVID-19
ATA Find an ENdocrinologist
Light of Life Foundation Thyroid Cancer Q&A
Thyroid Cancer Canada FAQ
Graves’ Disease & Thyroid Foundation
Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association
ATA Patient Support Links
Thyroid Federation International
Thyroid Cancer Alliance
Connect With Thyroid Cancer Survivors
Thyca Support Groups
Thyroid Cancer Canada Peer Support Groups
Thyroid Cancer Support Group - FB Group
Thyroid Cancer Survivors - FB Group
Thyroid Support Group - FB Group
Thyroid Cancer Support Group - FB Group
Questions to ask your Endocrinologist (From Fellow Thyroid Cancer Survivors)
One of the greatest challenges with Thyroid Cancer is the fear of the unknown. It is crucial to work hand in hand with your Endocrinologist, Primary Care Doctor, and any other medical professionals on your health team (OB GYN, Cardiologist, etc.). Most importantly, don’t be afraid to just ask. We worked with Thyroid Cancer Survivors to provide a list of questions you can ask your Endocrinologist and care team.
At Diagnosis:
What type of Thyroid Cancer do I have?
What are my treatment options?
Do I need a thyroidectomy or partial thyroidectomy?
Are there minimally invasive surgery options available?
How long do I have until I have to do a thyroidectomy?
Will I be cured if I get a thyroidectomy?
What are my options if I don’t get a thyroidectomy?
What is the recovery time?
Is there a possibility more cancer will be found and could have spread?
Will I struggle with weight gain?
Do I have to be careful with my diet?
Will I have any dietary restrictions?
Will Thyroid Cancer cause me to go into menopause early?
Could I potentially have hair thinning?
Will I have a hard time adjusting to the medication?
Post-surgery:
How long until I begin feeling better?
How long until i can expect my equilibrium to stabilize?
When can I begin incorporating exercise?
Do I have any dietary restrictions?
What can I expect if I have to incorporate any other medications? How do I do so?
Are there any medications I can’t take?
Will I be able to take a generic form of Synthroid at any point?
Will I need to do radioactive iodine?
Further Out:
How often do I need to get an ultrasounds?
How often will I need to get blood tests?
What symptoms do I need to look out for if my dosage is off?
How do I manage fatigue?
Will I struggle more with weight during perimenopause and menopause than the average person?
How often do I need to se my endocrinologist?
DISCLAIMER: Bubl Health website, videos, and other media do not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Although we strive to give up-to-date information, no guarantee to accuracy is made. Information contained here may NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately—qualified and—licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for informational purposes only.