Thyroid Cancer

Every year, numerous individuals worldwide are diagnosed with thyroid cancer—a type of cancer arising from the cells of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. The thyroid gland plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate. While a diagnosis of thyroid cancer can be overwhelming, it is generally treatable, especially when detected early, leading to favorable outcomes.

At the Cancer Clinic, we offer comprehensive, patient-focused care, from early detection and accurate diagnosis to innovative treatments and ongoing support.

Types of Thyroid Cancer


Thyroid cancer is primarily categorized into four different types: Differentiated Undifferentiated Medullary Rare (Squamous, lymphomas, metastatic tumor from esophagus, stomach, lungs and breast. Differentiated is further classified into Papillary, Follicular or Mixed
1. Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC)

The most common form of thyroid cancer, comprising about 80% of cases. Typically slow-growing and highly treatable, especially in younger patients.

Symptoms and Features:

  • Slow-growing lump at the front of the neck

  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck region

  • Hoarse voice or persistent cough

  • Usually excellent prognosis with appropriate treatment
Accounts for approximately 10–15% of thyroid cancers. It tends to affect slightly older individuals and can spread to distant organs. Symptoms and Features:
    • Neck lump that may grow steadily
    • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
    • Slightly increased risk of spreading to bones and lungs
    • Generally good prognosis, but monitoring for recurrence is important
A relatively rare type, accounting for about 4% of thyroid cancers. Often associated with genetic syndromes like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). Can affect any age group including children. Symptoms and Features:
  • Firm, noticeable lump in the neck
  • May be associated with diarrhea, flushing, or other hormonal symptoms
  • Can produce elevated levels of calcitonin detectable by blood tests
  • Early detection critical due to potential hereditary risk

Rare but aggressive, constituting approximately 1–2% of thyroid cancers. Rapid growth and requires prompt, aggressive treatment.

Symptoms and Features:

  • Rapidly enlarging neck mass causing pain and pressure

  • Severe difficulty swallowing or breathing

  • Rapid onset hoarseness or voice changes

  • Requires immediate intervention due to aggressive behavior
A rare form of cancer affecting the parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid gland, crucial for calcium regulation in the body. Symptoms:
  • Lump or swelling near thyroid area
  • High calcium levels causing fatigue, thirst, or confusion
  • Bone pain or fractures
  • Kidney issues or recurrent kidney stones

Diagnosis Methods

Early and accurate diagnosis greatly improves treatment outcomes. At our clinic, we utilize the following advanced diagnostic techniques:
  • Physical Examination: A thorough neck exam to detect lumps, swelling, or abnormalities around the thyroid area.
  • Thyroid Ultrasound: High-resolution imaging to assess size, shape, and characteristics of thyroid nodules and surrounding lymph nodes.
  • Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB): Minimally invasive procedure to obtain cells from suspicious nodules to confirm the diagnosis and type of cancer. A negative FNAC is not a guarantee to certify a swelling as non cancerous because of ambiguity of the cells in very differentiated thyroid tumours similarly positive FNAC may not 100% branch a patient into the category of cancer. Generally ultrasound scan and MRI scans can predict the probability in over 95% of cases.
  • Blood Tests: Thyroid function tests, calcitonin levels (particularly useful in medullary cancer), and thyroid hormone levels.
  • Advanced Imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans): Used for detailed assessment, especially when evaluating potential spread to lymph nodes or distant areas.

Treatments and Outlook

At the Cancer Clinic, we customize treatment plans for each patient, considering the type and stage of thyroid cancer, overall health, and patient preferences. Common treatments include:

Surgical Procedures:

Removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, based on tumor extent and type

Surgical removal of lymph nodes affected by cancer to reduce recurrence risk. This is of great importance because unlike squamous cell carcinoma spreading to the neck nods thyroid cancer will not exhibit any orderly pattern of spread because of the cross lymphatic circulation within the thyroid gland therefore if nodes are seen in the neck, a thorough examination with ultrasound is mandatory for mapping of the nods from level 1 to level 7. Level 6 are called recurrent laryngeal nerve groups of nodes and level 7 is called superior mediastinal nodes. Clearance of the same requires excellent clinical acumen and surgical skill to prevent injury to the nerves and superior mediastinum.

Specialized surgical methods ensure precise removal of cancerous thyroid tissues while protecting critical structures, such as nerves controlling voice and swallowing functions. Yet offering anatomical surgical approach whereby scars are eliminated ( horizontal lateral thyroidectomy – Thomas technique) This could be a boon for those unmarried girls or women with beauty consciousness as well as men or in fact any patient undergoing thyroid surgery – excellent quality of life.

Parathyroid glands are occupying space very close to the thyroid gland yet have separate blood supply. There are two pairs. Saving of parathyroid glands is an integral part of thyroid surgery to avoid lifelong supplementation of calcium which may make life og young patients really miserable (Parathyroid cripple). Invariably all measures will be undertaken to preserve the blood supply of parathyroid and in those cases when the blood supply of the gland is at stake pulvarisiation and implantation into SM Muscle is undertaken. ( technique described by thyroid surgeons of Australia and Newziland.

 
 

Post-surgical therapy targeting remaining thyroid tissues or metastatic disease with radioactive iodine, particularly effective for Papillary and Follicular types.

High-energy radiation precisely targets residual thyroid tissue or metastatic disease, especially beneficial in advanced stages. – Selected cases of anaplastic cancer

  • Chemotherapy is a treatment modality that has not much role except adriamycin with limited benefit.

  • New era of thyroid management: Especially in anaplastic or metastatic thyroid cancers, there is a growing emphasis on comprehensive gene profiling to identify actionable mutations and to enable the use of targeted therapies, marking a significant shift toward personalized cancer care.

New-generation drugs specifically target thyroid cancer cells by blocking pathways critical for tumor growth and survival.

 
 
 

Robotic and Minimally Invasive Techniques

Installation of robotic-assisted thyroid surgery, providing enhanced precision, smaller incisions, less scarring, and faster recoveries is under discussion in our main hospital. Benefits Include:
  • Reduced hospital stay and faster recovery
  • Decreased risk of complications
  • Improved cosmetic outcomes
  • Better preservation of surrounding tissue functions
Post-Treatment Support and Outlook
  At the Cancer Clinic, we understand that thyroid cancer care extends beyond medical treatment. We provide comprehensive supportive care services to ensure optimal quality of life:
    • Hormonal Replacement Therapy: Lifelong medication often required after thyroidectomy to maintain normal metabolism and overall well-being.
    • Speech and Swallowing Therapy: Professional support for patients experiencing voice or swallowing difficulties post-treatment.
    • Nutritional Counseling: Dietary guidance tailored for optimal health and hormonal balance.
    • Psychological and Emotional Support:Counseling and wellness programs to address emotional challenges associated with diagnosis and treatment.

    Early Diagnosis and Prevention

    Prompt detection greatly increases the effectiveness of treatments. Regular neck examinations and prompt medical evaluation of lumps or persistent symptoms are essential. Recommended Preventive Measures:
    • Regular neck self-examinations
    • Prompt evaluation of new lumps or neck changes
    • Awareness of family history and genetic predispositions
    • Balanced diet with sufficient iodine intake

    Thyroid Tumors: Enhancing Cosmetic and Clinical Outcomes

    Traditionally, thyroid tumors have been surgically treated using Kocher’s thyroidectomy—an approach practiced for over a century. While effective, Kocher’s method often leaves a noticeable scar in the most exposed area of the neck and carries potential complications such as nerve damage, parathyroid gland dysfunction, and bleeding. However, advancements in clinical research and 3D digital interactive anatomy have led to the development of a groundbreaking surgical technique: Horizontal Lateral Thyroidectomy, also known as Scarless Thyroid Surgery, Minimally Invasive Open Thyroidectomy, or simply the Thomas Technique. This innovative approach was developed by renowned surgeon Dr. Thomas Varughese, and significantly reduces or eliminates many of the complications associated with traditional thyroidectomy. At our Cancer Clinic, we proudly offer – The Thomas Technique, making this advanced and cosmetically superior procedure accessible to patients at an affordable cost. The benefits of this modern method include:
    • Minimally Invasive Procedure: Smaller incisions and less tissue disruption, promoting faster healing.
    • Cosmetic Advantage: Placement of the incision laterally ensures virtually scarless results or minimal scarring , significantly improving aesthetic outcomes.
    • Reduced Complication Risks: Lower risk of nerve injuries, reduced incidence of parathyroid deficiencies, and minimized bleeding risks compared to Kocher’s traditional method.
    • Quick Recovery: Patients typically go home within 24 hours, experiencing faster postoperative recovery , reduced complications, minimal discomfort and quicker healing.
    • Bloodless Surgery: Minimizes or entirely avoids the need for blood transfusions during surgery.
    • Preservation : of critical functions like voice and swallowing
    This innovative procedure prioritizes patient safety, comfort, and cosmetic satisfaction, ensuring exceptional outcomes for our patients. This innovative technique has fetched gold medals and best paper awards in international conferences and national conferences held in Russia, USA, Spain, Portugal, China, Singapore and Iran.