Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Thyroidectomy vs RAI vs TSH Suppression
2,529 views · Published 6 September 2018 · 13:07 · Indexed 26 September 2026
Channel: Dr. Westin Childs · 2018 · People & Blogs
A list of thyroid cancer treatment options including thyroidectomy (thyroid removal), RAI or radioactive iodine, and TSH suppression with thyroid medication. This video is all thyroid cancer treatments including what treatments are available if you have thyroid cancer, the consequences of these therapies on your life, and we'll also discuss some important factors which help determine your prognosis. It's important to realize, though, that the majority of thyroid cancer cases are caused by the least aggressive form of thyroid cancer. This, combined with the fact that the most common therapy to treat thyroid cancer is the removal of the thyroid gland has helped increase the 5-year survival rate of thyroid cancer to around 97 to 98%. When it comes to thyroid cancer you may not have a choice as to which therapy is ideal for you, but it still helps to understand each treatment and how it impacts your body. Treatment options available for thyroid cancer include: #1. Surgery: - By surgery, I am referring to a procedure known as a complete thyroidectomy. This surgery results in the entire removal of your thyroid gland (well close to the entire amount) and it is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. Removing your thyroid, though, can sometimes cause side effects afterward such as weight gain or fatigue if you are not dosed appropriately. #2. Radioactive iodine ablation: - Radioactive iodine is sometimes combined with a thyroidectomy to help kill off any tissue which is left over after your surgery. Radioactive iodine is a procedure which specifically targets and destroys thyroid gland tissue. It's helpful to use in conjunction with surgery because sometimes thyroid gland tissue can exist outside of the normal anatomy. Using RAI can help kill off extra tissue especially if cancer has spread. #3. Chemotherapy and radiation: - Chemotherapy isn't used very often for thyroid cancer because most cancers can be treated with surgery and with RAI. But, some cases of aggressive thyroid cancer may require the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. #4. TSH Suppression: - Lastly, another technique used to treat thyroid cancer is the use of TSH suppressive therapy. The goal here is to take high enough doses of thyroid hormone to suppress the natural production of TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone. Each person is different so the exact treatments that you need for your cancer will depend on the type of cancer you have, how aggressive it is, the stage at which it was diagnosed, your age and other important factors. Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): https://www.restartmed.com/start-here/ Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function: - Supplements that everyone with hypothyroidism needs: https://bit.ly/3tekPej - Supplement bundle to help reverse Hashimoto's: https://bit.ly/3gSY9eJ - Supplements for those without a thyroid and for those after RAI: https://bit.ly/3tb36nZ - Supplements for active hyperthyroidism: https://bit.ly/3t70yHo See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here: https://www.restartmed.com/shop/ Want more from my blog? I have more than 400+ well-researched blog posts on thyroid management, hormone balancing, weight loss, and more. See all blog posts here: https://www.restartmed.com/blog/ Prefer to listen via podcast? Download all of my podcast episodes here: https://apple.co/3kNYTCS Disclaimer: Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: https://www.restartmed.com/what-happened-to-my-medical-license/ This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video. #thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
