What is thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer occurs in both sexes, but most often in women. Luckily, the survival rate is the highest compared to other cancers, around 100%.
Types of thyroid cancer
- Cancer originating from follicular cells:
- Differential cancer:
- Papillary thyroid cancer (75-85% of cases): most often affects one lobe of the gland and the surrounding lymph nodes. It has the most favorable prognosis in early treatment for all types of thyroid cancer.
- Follicular thyroid cancer (10-15% of cases): there is a tendency to infestation of vessels, in connection with distant metastases in the lungs, bones, brain, etc. It is most commonly found in people of mature and advanced age.
- Undifferentiated cancer:
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer (2-5% of cases): is of rapid growth, often when detected there are distant metastases and can no longer be operated on, poorly responds to radiotherapy or chemotherapy; has the most unfavorable forecasts.
- Differential cancer:
- Cancer that does not originate from follicular cells:
- Medullary thyroid cancer (5-10% of cases): can be diagnosed when doctors find elevated calcitonin in the blood. This is produced by C cells (parafollicular cells); in 25% of cases there is a genetic mutation.
- Other types of thyroid cancer (very rare): thyroid lymphoma, low-differentiated thyroid carcinoma, metastatic cancer, etc.
Symptoms and risk factors for thyroid cancer
The initial stage of thyroid cancer is asymptomatic, often detected when the tumor is already palpable in palpation. However, recently there have been more cases when the tumor was discovered accidentally during diagnosis with ultrasound, etc. general checkups. In the following symptoms, it is recommended to consult a specialist to examine and clarify the diagnosis:- Large node size, rapid node growth, knot hard to the touch
- The knot presses on the throat and causes breathing problems or swallowing problems
- Changes in voice
- Increase in neck lymph nodes
- If there is a knot in the thyroid and there is a family history (closest relatives with thyroid cancer)
Proven risk factors for thyroid cancer:
- Radiation exposure: a large amount of radiation, such as in accidents at nuclear power plants, causes thyroid cancer, but do not worry about radiation from fluorography, mammography, dental X-ray, etc. (in such cases, the radiation dose is minimal)
- Obesity increases the occurrence of cancer by 33%
- Genetic mutation: Medullary thyroid cancer may have a genetic predisposition in 25% of cases
- Poor nutrition: lack of iodine in the body increases the risk of cancer
Hospitals specializing in the treatment of thyroid cancer in Korea
Medical Avenue has extensive experience with various hospitals in Korea (1st level hospitals – Samsung Medical Center, Severance, St. Mary’s, Seoul National University Hospital; 2nd level hospitals – Ajou University Hospital, Cha Ilsan, etc.). The experience of our patients is important to us. Thus, our coordinators conduct a thorough assessment of the work of all hospitals, doctors and medical staff. The accumulated experience allows to make recommendations individually: according to the diagnosis and wishes of patients. NOTE: Some hospitals in Korea use experimental NK (natural killers) cell therapy in the treatment of cancer. This method uses your own NK cells. Cell collection occurs through a usual blood collection, then in the lab doctors multiply millions of times and injected back to the patient intravenously. This method helps to use your own immune system in the fight against cancer. Suitable for both patients with initial stage and terminal stage of cancer. For more information, please contact our experts for advice.Preliminary plan for thyroid cancer screenings in Korea
When contacting hospitals in Korea, a detailed medical examination is carried out to determine the stage of the spread of the disease and the presence of metastasis.| Survey list | Cost |
| – CT (neck) – Neck ultrasound – Blood test – PET-CT (at an advanced stage) | $1,500 to $2,000 (no PET-CT) 3,000$~3,500$ (with PET-CT)1 |
| – Thin aspiration biopsy or revision of histological glasses | 300$~600$2 |
1 Cost varies according to the number and type of tests. If there are comorbidities, the list of surveys and the cost may change. 2 Cost for a biopsy. Histological research is paid separately, depending on the levels of study, the cost can vary.
Preliminary plan for thyroid cancer treatment in Korea
- The surgical removal of the thyroid gland is considered in the first place. Depending on the size and type of tumor and the patient’s condition, the surgeon decides for a complete or partial thyroidectomy. If lymph nodes are involved in the process, they can also be removed. The type of operation can be:
- Open: horizontal incision at the front of the neck, closer to the collarbone, 5-6 cm (1-2 inch) scar.
- Endoscopic: incisions on invisible places (armpits, chest, mouth), not suitable for all operations.
- Robotic: incisions on invisible places (armpits, chest, through mouth). With the help of the robot the area of operation can be increased 10-15 times in 3D format, rotation 360 degrees, for better results.
- After the complete removal of the thyroid gland, it is necessary to take hormone therapy for the rest of your life, which compensates for thyroid hormone deficiency and reduces the risk of recurrence of differentiated cancer. It is not recommended to stop the medical drugs or increase/reduce the dose. With long-term use of hormone therapy osteoporosis may appear, so you need constant supervision of a doctor.
- Radioiodine therapy is prescribed when there is a high risk of relapse after surgery. It reduces the likelihood of recurrence, destroying the remaining healthy tissues and thyroid cancer cells. Treatment is carried out by oral medication with radioisotope. A detailed consultation will be carried out during the appointment of this treatment, as there are a number of strict restrictions and preparations.
- Previously, when there was no effect from radioiodine therapy, or the patient for some reason did not fit this method of treatment, or when the disease progressed greatly, there was no other treatment. Now, rarely, but there is a chance to use targeted therapy to prolong life.
- Radiotherapy is rare, on remote metastases.
| Возможные варианты лечения | Стоимость |
|---|---|
| – Surgery | $6,000 – $15,000 USD1 |
| – Radioiodine therapy | $1,000 – $2,000 USD2 |
| – Target therapy, radiotherapy |
1 The cost may change, according to the method, the volume of surgery and the individual characteristics of treatment. The price includes basic hospitalization in a multi-bed ward. 2 The cost will depend on the number of courses, drugs and dosage.
Approximate screening and treatment schedule in Korea for thyroid cancer
- 1 day: consultation with the professor, appointment of examinations
- Day 2: Examinations
- 8-9 day: secondary consultation, examinations results
- Surgery: scheduled, hospitalization for 4-5 days 1
- Outpatient appointment after the results of the biopsy, follow by discharge and departure home 2
1 The period of hospitalization may be extended depending on the volume of the operation and the recovery period. 2 The stay may change depending on the patient’s condition, the type of surgery and the schedule of the ward in which the treatment will take place.
Advice from a medical coordinator in Korea
- Bring porridge and diet drinks, as a soft diet is recommended after surgery.
- Be sure to follow all the recommendations after the operation. After surgery, it is recommended to walk more to develop the lungs and reduce the risks of complications.
- Bring with you all the medicines you take on a permanent basis (for the caregiver and the patient). It is strictly forbidden for the patient to take his/her medicines before the consent of the doctor in Korea.
- With long-term use of hormonal drugs we recommend to regularly observe and test for osteoporosis.