
This is done following the steps outlined above. Often an operation (thyroid lobectomy) has been needed to make a definite diagnosis. Once made we can move to Step 2.
This is a meeting of specialists from Surgery, Imaging, Pathology and Cancer Care. Once the diagnosis is made we can discuss specific features of your case and make a team recommendation on further care.
We don't always recommend any further care as the Prognosis is so good in so many. But when further care is needed, it is usually an operation to remove the rest of the thyroid gland. This is sometimes followed by radioactive iodine as a one off tablet and thyroid hormone replacement that suppresses any signalling to reactivate any scattered thyroid cells.
Very occasionally, further surgery to remove lymph node spread is needed either at the outset or after follow up.
This is ongoing surveillance by the Cancer Care team who can advise on and administer any other treatment such as radioactive iodine, monitor that you get adequate thyroid hormone replacement and measure blood markers for signs of recurrence. This can go on for 5-10 years.