Thyroid Cancer: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the cells of the thyroid gland. It includes several subtypes:

• Papillary carcinoma – The most common and least aggressive type

• Follicular carcinoma – Slightly more aggressive but treatable

• Medullary thyroid cancer – Can be hereditary and requires specialized management

• Poorly differentiated and anaplastic carcinoma – Rare but highly aggressive

• Malignant lymphomas & secondary thyroid tumors – Less common but require distinct treatment approaches

Diagnosis

The diagnostic process includes:

1. Thyroid ultrasound – Detects nodules and evaluates their characteristics.

2. Blood tests – Assess thyroid function; if results are abnormal, scintigraphy may be recommended.

3. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) – Performed if a suspicious nodule is found; helps determine malignancy.

4. Genetic Testing (BRAF mutation analysis) – Helps in diagnosing aggressive forms.

5. Imaging studies (CT, PET-CT, Bone Scintigraphy) – Used for staging, particularly before and after surgery, to check for metastases.

Treatment

The primary treatment for thyroid cancer is total thyroidectomy (complete removal of the thyroid gland). This approach:

• Enhances the effectiveness of postoperative radioiodine therapy

• Improves the accuracy of thyroglobulin monitoring for recurrence detection

• Eliminates the need for repeat surgery in cases of multiple tumors or lymph node metastases

Postoperative Treatment Options:

• Suppressive hormone therapy – Replaces thyroid hormones and reduces the risk of recurrence

• Radioiodine therapy (RAI) – Destroys residual cancer cells and metastases; administered in low doses (outpatient) or high doses (inpatient)

Cost of Diagnosis & Treatment:

• 11,000,000 – 17,000,000 KRW