How to Reduce the Pain Caused by Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a cancer of the thyroid gland, which produces a hormone with iodine it extracts from the bloodstream. Advances in modern medicine have brought about many ways to reduce the pain caused by thyroid cancer.
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Instructions
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Understand that the type of pain you feel will depend on the treatment you receive. Radioiodine treatment, for example, will produce different side effects than chemotherapy. Pain can also be caused when a tumor presses against a bone, nerve or organ.
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Treat salivary discomfort and dry mouth caused by radioiodine treatment by sucking on sugar-free candy.
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Learn about the many types of medicinal options for reducing your thyroid cancer pain by visiting the National Cancer Institute Web site (see "Resources" below). Options include acetaminophen, opiods and local anesthetics.
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Combine natural pain relief techniques with medication prescribed by your doctor. These techniques include meditation, imagery and slow, rhythmic breathing. Acupuncture, massage and skin stimulation are other possibilities.
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Keep your body in the best shape you can by taking long walks and doing low-impact exercise, such as yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi. This can help your body cope with the treatments you'll be undergoing for your thyroid cancer.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask your doctor about thyroid hormones and whether you'll have to take them during or after treatment.
When you speak with your doctor, you have the right to hear about all your treatment options and their associated benefits and risks.
Take part in the follow-up tests ordered by the doctor, including measuring the level of thyroglobulin in your blood. The doctor may also conduct an I-131 whole body scan as part of the follow-up process.
The American Cancer Society offers community-based and online classes in their I Can Cope program, designed to help those diagnosed with cancer talk through their feelings and get support from other patients, caregivers and support staff. The ACS Web site explains how to get involved (see "Resources" below).
You can contact the Thyroid Outreach Network for information and support, including tips on how to reduce the pain caused by thyroid cancer (see "Resources" below).
