Follicular thyroid cancer is a rare kind of thyroid cancer, making up one out of 10 thyroid cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. It develops from follicular cells of the thyroid. Although surgery is a common treatment for thyroid cancer, there are effective non-surgical treatments for follicular thyroid cancer. Typical treatment for thyroid cancer uses two or more treatment modalities, based on the stage of the cancer and the general health of the patient.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
The thyroid gland absorbs iodine from the blood, making radioactive iodine therapy, or RAI therapy, an effective treatment for thyroid cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, RAI therapy improves survival for individuals with both follicular or papillary thyroid cancer. In this type of treatment, radioactive iodine is administered via a pill or liquid and is taken up by the thyroid, killing thyroid cancer cells and the thyroid gland. RAI therapy can also treat thyroid cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or lymph nodes. Side effects of this treatment listed by the American Cancer Society include changes in how things taste, nausea, neck tenderness and swelling of the salivary glands.
Thyroid Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy can be used as follicular thyroid cancer treatment, as well as after treatment is over for thyroid cancer. The National Cancer Institute describes hormone therapy for thyroid cancer as being used to block the body's production of thyroid-stimulating hormone, which increases the risk of thyroid cancer cell growth. Post-treatment, the thyroid is usually not able to produce thyroid hormone and hormone supplements must be administered. Side effects can include a higher level than normal of thyroid hormone due to the supplementation, possibly leading to osteoporosis or irregular heartbeat, says the American Cancer Society.
External Beam Radiation Therapy
For follicular thyroid cancers that do not take up iodine, external beam radiation therapy is a treatment option, according to the American Cancer Society. External beam radiation uses rays similar to X-rays administered from a machine outside of the body that are aimed toward the cancerous area to kill cancer cells. Side effects can include skin changes similar to a sunburn, voice hoarseness, fatigue and difficulty swallowing.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly or orally.This treatment is rarely used for most thyroid cancers; follicular thyroid cancer is treated with chemotherapy only when the cancer has not responded to RAI treatments, says the American Cancer Society. Side effects of this treatment can include hair loss, mouth sores, loss of appetite, lowered blood cell counts, fatigue and easy bruising.
