Papillary thyroid cancer is known as the most common type of thyroid cancer and falls under the group of ‘Differentiated thyroid cancer.’ It is also one of the most aggressive variations of thyroid cancer, which can speedily grow into the structures of the neck or even spread to other areas of the body. A thyroid cancer surgery is the foremost line of defense against papillary thyroid cancer; however, depending on the size of the malignancy and several other indications, different types of surgeries follow suit.
In this outline, we embark on depicting different types of papillary thyroid cancer surgeries and how effective they are in curing malignancy.
Surgical treatments for papillary thyroid cancer
The best thyroid cancer surgeon approaches the question of papillary thyroid cancer with three basic types of surgery: thyroid lobectomy, total thyroidectomy, and subtotal thyroidectomy. In due course, we will take a closer look at their primary indications and contextual application.
Thyroid lobectomy:
Thyroid lobectomy is conducted through a small incision in the lower neck, preserving most of the critical structures, such as both the parathyroid glands and the nerves responsible for sending signals to the voice box. Additionally, lymph nodes surrounding the thyroid gland are also further investigated for traces of malignancy.
This surgery is most suitable for small to intermediate (up to 4 cm) papillary thyroid cancers. Moreover, it poses little to no risk of hypoparathyroidism (low blood calcium), and you can safely return to normal activities within a few days.
Total thyroidectomy:
However, when the papillary thyroid cancer is too large (more than 4 cm), or it has started spreading into the nearby lymph nodes, a total thyroidectomy might be the need of the hour. Often, the malignancy extends outside the surface of the thyroid gland (known as its capsule) to spread into the lateral neck lymph nodes. In such cases, lobectomy loses its efficacy. In this surgery, the entire thyroid gland is excised.
If you have previously undergone a lobectomy and yet fall privy to another onslaught of malignancy in the remainder of the thyroid gland, then too, the thyroid cancer surgeon in kolkata usually advises a total thyroidectomy.
In the case of total thyroidectomy, the surgeon often leaves small rims of thyroid tissues around the parathyroid glands so that your parathyroid gland remains unscathed and the calcium levels in your blood do not fluctuate.
The subtotal thyroidectomy:
A subtotal thyroidectomy consists of the removal of most of the gland, preserving around 4-8 g of thyroid tissues to maintain the euthyroid state, i.e., the state of normal thyroid gland function.
Once again, a word of reminder: papillary thyroid cancer responds well to surgery; hence, early screening and prompt surgical removal of the malignancy are your best chance against papillary thyroid cancer and the most effective thyroid cancer treatment in kolkata as well.