How to Deal With Thyroid Cancer Treatment Side Effects

It is extremely important to understand the possible side effects of treatments for thyroid cancer, also known as papillary or follicular carcinoma. Side effects will vary depending on the type of treatment you undergo, which could include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Make sure to speak with your oncologist or doctor about potential side effects and how to best manage them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Speak with your doctor about all of the possible side effects for the specific treatment or treatments he or she is recommending. The types of side effects will vary depending on the treatment you select.

2. Make sure your surgeon is an experienced thyroid surgeon with specialized training if you decide to have surgery to treat your thyroid cancer. This will help you avoid possible side effects of surgery, which include hoarseness or voice loss (either temporary or permanent), wound infection, formation of blood clots in the neck, muscle spasms or a tingling sensation.

3. Deal with potential chemotherapy side effects by taking antiemetic drugs to help decrease nausea or vomiting. Only take these drugs if your cancer care team recommends them.

4. Remember that one of the best ways to cope with thyroid cancer treatment side effects is to go to all of your follow-up appointments. This will put you in contact with the people who can offer helpful advice and monitor your progress.

5. Improve your eating habits before you begin your thyroid cancer treatment. You will deal better with any potential side effects by eating a diet rich in protein, calories and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor if there are other risks involved with your treatment besides possible side effects.
• Understand the rights you have as a patient when it comes to speaking with your doctor. You have the right to informed consent, meaning your doctor must explain the purpose of any proposed treatment, all possible benefits and risks of that treatment and alternative treatments.
• Make sure to attend all of your follow-up appointments to monitor your ongoing progress and to make sure the cancer has not returned. Follow-up procedures could include X-rays, lab tests and thorough physical exams.
• Join a cancer support group to help you cope with any possible psychological effects of your diagnosis. Talk about the cancer and treatment side effects with friends and family members to help you with any worries you may have.

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