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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
What is thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer begins in your thyroid gland. The cancer is usually found before it spreads to other organs or tissue. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland in your neck. It makes hormones that help control your body temperature, heart rate, growth, and weight.
What are the signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer?
- One or more lumps in your neck
- Cough, hoarseness, or changes in your voice
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Neck or throat pain
How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?
- Blood tests will show the levels of hormones made by your thyroid gland. They will also show the levels of hormones that stimulate your thyroid.
- An x-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI may be used to take pictures of your thyroid gland. You may be given contrast liquid to help your thyroid show up better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- A tissue biopsy is a procedure to remove a small amount of thyroid tissue to be tested for cancer.
- A thyroid scan uses radioactive dye to show how well your thyroid is working.
How is thyroid cancer treated?
- Surgery may be done to remove all or part of your thyroid gland. Your healthcare provider may also need to remove tissue or lymph nodes near your thyroid gland.
- Radioactive iodine may be given to damage cells in your thyroid. This may help to decrease thyroid hormone levels or to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy uses x-rays or gamma rays to treat cancer. Radiation kills cancer cells and may stop the cancer from spreading. It may be given with radioactive iodine therapy or after surgery to remove your thyroid.
- Medicine may be given to help bring your thyroid hormone level back to normal.
What can I do to manage my thyroid cancer?
- Do not smoke. Nicotine can damage blood vessels and make it more difficult to manage your thyroid cancer. Smoking also increases your risk for new or returning cancer and delays healing after treatment. Do not use e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in place of cigarettes or to help you quit. They still contain nicotine. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help quitting.
- Limit or do not drink alcohol as directed. Men should limit alcohol to 2 drinks per day. Women should limit alcohol to 1 drink per day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
- Eat healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Include foods that are high in iodine, such as milk, seaweed, and turkey. Iodized salt is also a source of iodine. Ask your healthcare provider how much iodine you need each day, and which sources of iodine are best for you.
- Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Drink extra liquids to prevent dehydration. You will need to drink extra liquids if you are vomiting or have diarrhea from cancer treatments.
- Exercise as directed. Exercise can help increase your energy level. Ask your healthcare provider how much exercise you need and which exercises are best for you.
Call 911 for the following:
- You have sudden shortness of breath.
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
- Your symptoms get worse.
- Your voice becomes hoarse.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You have new lumps in your neck.
- You have trouble swallowing.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Care AgreementYou have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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