thyroid cancer

A:I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer 5 years ago. First I'll answer your questions. 1-Best resource for thyroid cancer is www.thyca.org. 2-There aren't too many options. Once diagnosed with thyroid cancer, you must have surgery to completely remove your thyroid gland. This is called a total thyroidectomy. Afterwards, you will have to take a pill everyday for the rest of your life. After surgery, most people will have RAI. That stands for radioactive iodine. Thyroid glands suck up iodiine. So the radioactive iodine goes in and "kills" any remaining thyroid tissue or cancer tissue. It's taken in the form of a pill. The radioactive isotope is called I-131. Some doctors will say that surgery is enough. But the RAI really is what goes in as the "cleanup crew" to kill any remaining cancer. 3-Thyroid cancer is a very slow spreading cancer (usually). If it spreads, it's usually to the lymph nodes nearby. Some very rare thyroid cancers can spread to the lungs or brain but usually it's slow. Most thyroid cancers are very treatable and some would even say it's curable. First step for you will be an ultrasound of your thyroid. Next would be a biopsy which is called a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA). A needle is inserted through your neck, into your thyroid, and cells are removed. Sounds painful but it's not. Takes less than a minute and feels like a pinch. If the results come back as cancer, you'll have the surgery and about 2 months after surgery you'll have the RAI. Best of luck to you. The thyca website is really wonderful. Regards, mari

A:I had tumors on my thyroid and had it removed when I was seven years old. I would definitely talk to an endocrinologist, if I were you. No matter whether the advice you were given was good or not, the endocrinologist will know what is best for you. Baylor in Dallas is an excellent hospital. They've done all of my thyroid related surgeries.

A:start looking in new delhi.all the embassies are there so probably the hospitals as well.

A:It is very difficult to say without more specific information. Often surgery can remove all the cancer and future treatment often relates to level of the thyroid hormones which are reduced due to the thyroid having been removed. Your friends post operative appointment would discuss all of this with her. She will also have had tests to see if the cancer had spread. By the sound of things her optimistic outlook may have came from her follow up appointment. Maybe you should discuss your concerns with her. This may reassure you. Best wishes to you both.

A:I don't have an answer, but I do have a site with more info and maybe they can help. www.thyca.org (thyroid cancer survivors for america)