AUDIO: Dr. Lawrence C. Wood, What is the Treatment for Thyroid Cancer?
Lawrence C. Wood, M.D., Founder and Medical Director of the Thyroid Foundation of America, answers what the treatment for thyroid cancer is?
THYROID CANCER
Thyroid cancer usually presents itself as a lump or nodule in the thyroid gland. However, it should be emphasized that most thyroid nodules (95% or more) are benign. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to distinguish a benign from a malignant nodule on the basis of history and physical examination, even with the help of laboratory tests including blood hormone levels and scans (images) of the thyroid gland. Therefore, biopsy of thyroid nodules (generally Fine Needle Aspiration, FNA) provides the most valuable information in helping a physician to determine whether a surgical operation is necessary.
