How to Know the Stages of Thyroid Cancer

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:KnowStagesThyroidCancer
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How to Know the Stages of Thyroid Cancer

Introduction

Thyroid cancer is a highly treatable disease that affects the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck just under the Adam's apple. There are 3 major stages for thyroid cancer, as well as three types identified by the letters 'T', 'N' and 'M.' The 'T' stands for tumor, the 'N' for lymph nodes and the 'M' for metastasis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Know that the stages of thyroid cancer are based on a system developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. The tumor stage is earliest stage, the lymph node stage is a progression and metastasis is the latest stage.
2

Step Two

Understand the 'T,' or tumor, stage. In this stage, a tumor can be detected, but it has not spread to other parts of the body. Tumors can range from less than 2 cm to more than 4 cm. In the latter parts of the T stage, the tumor may begin growing toward the spine.
3

Step Three

Research the 'N,' or lymph node, stage. In this stage, the cancer has spread from a tumor to the lymph nodes. As this stage progresses, the cancer spreads from the cervical lymph nodes to the upper mediastinal lymph nodes.
4

Step Four

Understand the final stage of thyroid cancer, designated with an 'M,' for metastasis. In this stage, the cancer spreads from the lymph nodes to the rest of the body, including the bones and internal organs.
5

Step Five

Pay attention to which stage--Roman numerals I to IV--your cancer is in and speak with your doctor about the meaning of the stage. Five-year survival rates are excellent for stages I and II and remain high for stage III cancers. Survival rates dip to less than 50 percent for all stage IV thyroid cancers.
6

Step Six

Try your best to eat healthily leading up to your thyroid cancer treatment. It's believed that a healthier diet will help you avoid potential side effects following certain treatments.
7

Step Seven

Recognize that depending on the type of thyroid cancer you have and your age, the stages will differ. Consult with your oncologist or doctor to better understand the differences between the stages.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • Ask your oncologist or doctor if the thyroid cancer has spread beyond the thyroid gland.
  • Keep in mind that you have the right to refuse any type of treatment, even if the treatment is life-sustaining. Your doctor can't pursue a specific treatment for your thyroid cancer unless you agree.
  • Remember not to miss any of your follow-up appointments following your thyroid cancer treatment. Follow-up is just as important as the actual treatment and allows your doctor can monitor your progress.
  • Become part of an organization by volunteering your time to the Thyroid Outreach Network, a non-profit volunteer organization devoted to helping people diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
  • If your recent diagnosis of thyroid cancer has created a dark cloud over your life, try to become involved in more group activities or cancer support groups. Yoga and massage can lift your spirits, as can individual or group therapy sessions.
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