Treatment depends on type of cancer, its degree of development, but also the age of the person and his state of health.

It often combines several therapeutic approaches, surgery, radioactive iodine and thyroid hormones, but other treatments such as external radiotherapy or medical treatment are possible.

The choice of treatment is discussed during a multidisciplinary consultation – surgeon, endocrinologist, anesthetist, radiotherapist, oncologist – and the decision taken after information and discussion with the patient.

The treatment, whatever it is, is accompanied before and after by “supportive care”, pain management, psychological support, voice rehabilitation sometimes, help with administrative procedures, social support, etc.

Radioactive iodine treatment

This treatment uses high doses of a radioactive form of iodine. It is often used after surgery, to destroy remnants of the thyroid gland as well as any metastases in order to reduce the risk of recurrence. Radioactive iodine is administered in the form of a capsule or liquid to be swallowed. This treatment can cause nausea, dry mouth and eyes, and an impaired sense of taste and smell. Radioactive iodine is eliminated through the urine within a few days.

Radioactive iodine emits radiation which can be detected by the scintigraphy carried out the following days and which detects the persistence of cancer cells throughout the body. For a few days, he imposes precautions with respect to those around him by avoiding contact with pregnant women or young people under the age of fifteen.

Radiotherapy external

Radiotherapy is used either for tumors that cannot be removed by surgery, or after surgery if the latter could not remove all of the tumor, or in the event of recurrence. . Radiation therapy can cause moderate fatigue, temporary irritation of the skin on the neck or the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy or targeted therapies are rarely used. They are offered in the event of metastases or when the tumor has not or has not fully responded to treatment.

This treatment also affects healthy cells and often causes side effects, such as nausea.

Rare forms of thyroid cancer

Medullary cancers are generally treated by surgery, possibly combined with external radiotherapy and / or chemotherapy. They are not sensitive to radioactive iodine.

Anaplastic cancer, very rare, occurs most often in older people. It is also not sensitive to radioactive iodine.

Rare or refractory forms of thyroid cancer are referred to expert centers such as the TUTHYREF network (TUmeurs de la THYroid REFractaires) or the RENATEN network.

Disease monitoring

Whatever the treatment, the person will benefit from monitoring the blood levels of thyroid hormones, the side effects of radiotherapy or chemotherapy and by identifying any recurrence or appearance of metastases.