Thyroid Cancer Type: Papillary – Characteristics, Signs, Treatment Options, and Further Details
Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC), the most commonly diagnosed type of thyroid cancer, can be treated using a variety of methods. The primary treatment options often involve surgery, radiation therapy, hormone replacement, and targeted therapies, depending on the individual's case.
Thyroid Surgery
Thyroid surgery, such as lobectomy or total thyroidectomy, is commonly the first step in treating PTC. The surgery aims to remove part or all of the thyroid gland, depending on the tumor size and location.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Following surgery, patients typically undergo Radioactive Iodine (RAI) therapy to eliminate any residual cancerous thyroid tissue. This treatment is crucial in the management of PTC.
Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy
Post-surgery and RAI, patients receive Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy to replace the hormones normally produced by the thyroid and to suppress thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which can promote tumor growth.
Targeted Therapies
In advanced or refractory cases, Targeted Therapies like BRAF inhibitors, such as dabrafenib, combined with MEK inhibitors, such as trametinib, or Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, such as cabozantinib, may be used, especially for tumors harbouring specific mutations like BRAF V600E.
Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy
In select, advanced situations, External Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy may be employed if the disease is unresponsive to other treatments.
Follow-up and Staging
Regular follow-up is essential since PTC can recur many years after initial treatment. The staging of PTC varies depending on how far the cancer has spread and age. For people under the age of 55 years, the staging includes Stage 1 and Stage 2, while for those over 55 years, the staging includes Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4A, Stage 4B, and Recurrent.
Many people with PTC will have no symptoms, but if symptoms do appear, they may include a small lump at the base of the throat or neck, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, throat or neck pain. If a person feels or sees a lump in the front of their neck, has difficulty swallowing, or feels enlarged lymph nodes in their neck that do not return to normal size, they should contact a healthcare professional.
PTC is a tumor that grows on the thyroid gland, located in the front of the lower neck, straddling the trachea. One risk factor for PTC is childhood exposure to radiation due to medical treatments or other environmental exposure. The follicular variant is the most common type of PTC, but there are more aggressive types, such as diffuse sclerosing, tall cell variant (TCV), columnar cell variant (CCV), solid variant, and hobnail variant.
If detected early and treated appropriately, the prognosis for PTC is generally good. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about thyroid cancer or experience any symptoms.
Other medical conditions may arise during or after treatment for Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC), such as mental health issues due to adjusting to lifestyle changes or health-and-wellness concerns related to hormone imbalances. Science continues to explore otherthyroid conditions that might affect individuals who have undergone thyroid surgery. For instance, ongoing research in the field of health-and-wellness focuses on the long-term effects of hormone replacement therapy on mental health. Additionally, cancer survivors, including PTC patients, may require support to manage stress, anxiety, and depression, which are all important aspects of mental health.
