Thyroid Cancer

I've been reading a lot on the topic because Robert has been diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer.  Last month he underwent partial Thyroid removal.  The doctors told us at that time that a biopsy would be done to determine if cancer was present.  On his follow up visit the doctor then told us it was cancerous and he would have to return for a second surgery to remove the other side and begin radiation therapy after surgery.  At the time the doctor told us this Robert became very solemn and didn't say a word.  I think the shock of hearing that he had cancer was overwhelming him.  I began to ask the doctor questions to get an idea of what we faced and what we could hope for.

It was explained to me that 98 percent of the cancer was removed when the initial surgery was performed.  The mass was quite large however because they will need to start the radiation therapy the second thyroid must be removed in order to have the therapy be effective.  The doctor seemed quite confident that Robert did not face future problems related to this and after the radiation therapy he would resume a somewhat normal life with the exception that he would be on medication for life. 

I felt good as we left the doctors office that we had caught this early enough that it had not spread and was isolated to his thyroid.  Robert on the other hand was still in shock.  As we talked I realized the realities of what his mother had gone through with her illness was enveloping Roberts thoughts.  He is his mothers son in so many ways.  The fact that he would have to remain on medication for life bothered him.  Below is a brief explanation of Thyroid Cancer from WebMD.com

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a disease that you get when abnormal cells begin to grow in your thyroid gland . The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is located in the front of your neck. It makes hormones that regulate the way your body uses energy and that help your body work normally.

Thyroid cancer is an uncommon type of cancer. Most people who have it do very well, because the cancer is usually found early and the treatments work well. After it is treated, thyroid cancer may come back, sometimes many years after treatment.

What causes thyroid cancer?

Experts don't know what causes thyroid cancer. But like other cancers, changes in the DNA of your cells seem to play a role. These DNA changes may include changes that are inherited as well as those that happen as you get older.
People who have been exposed to a lot of radiation have a greater chance of getting thyroid cancer.
A dental X-ray now and then will not increase your chance of getting thyroid cancer. But past radiation treatment of your head, neck, or chest (especially during childhood) can put you at risk of getting thyroid cancer.

What are the symptoms?

Thyroid cancer can cause several symptoms:

• You may get a lump or swelling in your neck. This is the most common symptom.
• You may have pain in your neck and sometimes in your ears.
• You may have trouble swallowing.
• You may have trouble breathing or have constant wheezing.
• Your voice may be hoarse.
• You may have a frequent cough that is not related to a cold.

Some people may not have any symptoms. Their doctors may find a lump or nodule in the neck during a routine physical exam.

How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

If you have a lump in your neck that could be thyroid cancer, your doctor may do a biopsy of your thyroid gland to check for cancer cells. A biopsy is a simple procedure in which a small piece of the thyroid tissue is removed, usually with a needle, and then checked.
Sometimes the results of a biopsy are not clear. In this case, you may need surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland before you find out if you have thyroid cancer.

How is it treated?

Thyroid cancer is treated with surgery and often with radioactive iodine. It rarely needs radiation therapy or chemotherapy. What treatment you need depends on your age, the type of thyroid cancer you have, and the stage of your disease. Stage refers to how severe the disease is and how far, if at all, the cancer has spread.
Your doctor may also remove lymph nodes in your neck to see if cancer has spread beyond the thyroid.

 I believe this is what the doctor will start Robert on after surgery:

Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Radioactive iodine therapy is used to destroy thyroid cells.

Radioactive iodine therapy can be used for thyroid cancer to kill cancer cells that remain after surgery has been done to remove the thyroid gland. It may also be used to treat an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).

Radioactive iodine is usually given as a liquid or capsule that is swallowed.