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Thyroid Cancer

Valdosta Specialty Clinic Our Services Thyroid Cancer

Valdosta Specialty Clinic

Rheumatology & Endocrinology located in Valdosta, GA

About 45,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with thyroid cancer every year. At Valdosta Specialty Clinic, Wayne Furr, MD, and the endocrinology experts specialize in managing health conditions that affect the thyroid, like thyroid cancer, at their office in Valdosta, Georgia. Thyroid cancer is treatable but requires life-long thyroid hormone replacement therapy. To find out more about thyroid cancer care, call the office today, or click the online contact page to send them a message if you have questions or would like to request an appointment.

Thyroid Cancer Q & A

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the thyroid gland. Cancer occurs when there’s an overgrowth of abnormal cells, creating a tumor.

Your thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system and makes and releases hormones (collectively known as thyroid hormones) that regulate your metabolism, blood pressure, and heart rate.

What are the types of thyroid cancer?

Healthcare providers classify thyroid cancer into types based on where the cancer starts. They grow at different rates and may spread to other parts of the body. 

Thyroid cancer types include:

Papillary

Papillary is the most common type of thyroid cancer. Though slow-growing, this type can spread to the lymph nodes. 

Follicular

Follicular cancer is the next most common type of thyroid cancer and may spread to the bones.

Medullary

Medullary thyroid cancer is an inherited cancer caused by a genetic mutation. 

Anaplastic 

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is aggressive and the most difficult to treat, but rare.

The type of thyroid cancer you have helps your provider determine the best course of action. 

What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?

A lump in the throat is one of the first symptoms of thyroid cancer. You or your primary care provider may find this lump, which is called a thyroid nodule. Most thyroid nodules are noncancerous (benign).

Other symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarseness
  • Voice changes
  • Swelling in your lymph nodes

If you have a thyroid nodule, the experts at Valdosta Specialty Clinic may perform various tests to confirm or rule out thyroid cancer. Testing might include bloodwork, a CT scan, and a biopsy of the nodule.

What are the treatments for thyroid cancer?

Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread or not. Your treatment plan may include:

  • Lobectomy (partial surgical removal of the thyroid gland)
  • Thyroidectomy (complete surgical removal of the thyroid gland)
  • Radioiodine therapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy

Most people respond well to thyroid cancer treatment and make a full recovery. 

What happens after thyroid cancer treatment?

Thyroid cancer treatment affects thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones, and you may need life-long thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The providers at Valdosta Specialty Clinic are experts at treating hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone production). 

They can provide the ongoing thyroid hormone replacement therapy you need to maintain hormone balance and overall health. 

Call Valdosta Specialty Clinic today to schedule a thyroid cancer consultation. You can also reach out online. 

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