| Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS website. |
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| Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature M: MRSA. |
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TreatmentMain treatments for thyroid cancerThyroid cancer is often treatable. The treatment you have will depend on:
It will usually include surgery. It may also include hormone therapy, radioactive iodine treatment, targeted medicines, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The specialist care team looking after you will:
You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans. If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up. SurgerySurgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, you may have:
During surgery you may also have some lymph nodes (glands) in your neck removed if your cancer has or might have spread to them. Find out moreHormone therapyIf you've had surgery to remove your thyroid, you usually need to take hormone tablets to replace the hormones your thyroid made. It can also help stop the cancer coming back. You may also need to take hormone tablets if you've had part of your thyroid removed. Find out moreRadioactive iodine treatmentRadioactive iodine treatment uses radiation to kill cancer cells. The treatment contains a small amount of radiation that you take as a tablet or drink. You may have radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer:
Find out moreTargeted medicinesTargeted medicines aim to stop cancer growing. You may have treatment with targeted medicines for thyroid cancer if:
Find out moreRadiotherapyRadiotherapy uses high-energy rays of radiation to kill cancer cells. You may have radiotherapy for thyroid cancer if:
Find out moreChemotherapyChemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells. It's not usually used to treat thyroid cancer, but you may have it if the cancer has come back or has spread to another part of your body. Find out moreWhat happens if you've been told your cancer cannot be curedIf you have advanced thyroid cancer it might be very hard to treat. It may not be possible to cure the cancer. If this is the case, the aim of your treatment will be to limit the cancer and its symptoms, and help you live longer. Finding out the cancer cannot be cured can be very hard news to take in. You will be referred to a special team of doctors and nurses called the palliative care team or symptom control team. They will work with you to help manage your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. The clinical nurse specialist or palliative care team can also help you and your loved ones get any support you need. Find out more |
| OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature M: MRSA. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic. | | |
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