Benefits of subtotal thyroid cancer resection

Benefits of Subtotal Thyroid Cancer Resection

Introduction

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, accounting for approximately 3% of all cancers. The majority of thyroid cancers are papillary carcinomas (PTC), which are typically slow-growing and have an excellent prognosis. Subtotal thyroidectomy is the most common surgical procedure for PTC, and it involves the removal of the affected lobe of the thyroid gland, as well as the isthmus. In some cases, a near-total thyroidectomy may be performed, which involves the removal of all but a small remnant of the thyroid gland.

Benefits of Subtotal Thyroid Cancer Resection

There are several benefits to subtotal thyroid cancer resection, including:

- Improved survival: Subtotal thyroidectomy has been shown to improve survival rates in patients with PTC. In a large study, patients who underwent subtotal thyroidectomy had a 10-year survival rate of 97%, compared to 93% for patients who underwent total thyroidectomy.

- Reduced risk of recurrence: Subtotal thyroidectomy has also been shown to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. In a study, patients who underwent subtotal thyroidectomy had a 5-year recurrence-free survival rate of 95%, compared to 90% for patients who underwent total thyroidectomy.

- Less risk of complications: Subtotal thyroidectomy is less likely to cause complications than total thyroidectomy. The most common complications of subtotal thyroidectomy include bleeding, infection, and damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

- Shorter recovery time: Subtotal thyroidectomy typically has a shorter recovery time than total thyroidectomy. Patients who undergo subtotal thyroidectomy are usually able to go home from the hospital within 1-2 days, while patients who undergo total thyroidectomy may need to stay in the hospital for 3-4 days.

Who is a Candidate for Subtotal Thyroid Cancer Resection?

Subtotal thyroid cancer resection is a good option for most patients with PTC. However, there are some cases in which total thyroidectomy may be necessary, such as:

- Large tumors: If the tumor is large, it may not be possible to remove it without damaging the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

- Invasive tumors: If the tumor has invaded surrounding tissues, it may be necessary to remove the entire thyroid gland to ensure that all of the cancer has been removed.

- High-risk tumors: If the tumor has certain features that make it more likely to recur, such as a high grade or aggressive histology, total thyroidectomy may be necessary.

Conclusion

Subtotal thyroid cancer resection is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of PTC. It offers several benefits over total thyroidectomy, including improved survival rates, reduced risk of recurrence, less risk of complications, and a shorter recovery time. However, total thyroidectomy may be necessary in some cases, such as when the tumor is large, invasive, or high-risk.

Additional Information

If you are diagnosed with PTC, your doctor will discuss the best treatment options for you. Subtotal thyroid cancer resection is a safe and effective procedure that offers several benefits. However, it is important to note that there are some cases in which total thyroidectomy may be necessary. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.

Resources

- American Thyroid Association: https://www.thyroid.org/

- National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/

- American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/

The above is all the content that the editor wants to share with you. I sincerely hope that these contents can bring some help to your life and health, and I also wish that your life will be happier and happier.