Thyroid Cancer

The Swedish Cancer Institute offers patients with thyroid cancer the experience and the skills of highly trained physicians and other cancer specialists, as well as leading-edge imaging and diagnostic techniques, state-of-the-art treatment options, a wide selection of quality support services and an integrated approach to care. Our multidisciplinary care teams meet regularly to share information and discuss patient cases, in order to determine the most beneficial course of care for each patient.

Thyroid cancer is suspected if a nodule protrudes from the thyroid gland. Diagnostic tests are conducted to determine if the nodule is cancerous – though most are benign.

Thyroid cancer

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and produces thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth and development and are essential for life. Cancer may arise from different cells of the thyroid gland and there are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary (the most common form, accounting for more than 70 percent of all cases), follicular, medullary and anaplastic. Learn more about thyroid cancer.

Treatments

Individualized treatment plan may include a combination of the following treatments:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Research and clinical trials

If your physician believes you are a good candidate to participate in a clinical trial evaluating a new treatment or more effective combinations of treatments — and you agree — you will have access to the very latest in research treatments.

At any given time, the Swedish Cancer Institute offers patients more than 140 clinical-research studies involving most types of cancers.  Additionally, our physician specialists collaborate with other regional and national research groups, including  Southwest Oncology Group, National Cancer Institute, Puget Sound Oncology Consortium and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Education and support for patients and families

Beyond physical health, the Swedish Cancer Institute is committed to the emotional well-being of our patients and their families. We offer:

• Individual and family counseling, and support groups
• An on-site  education center 
• A full array of  complementary therapies 
• A dedicated  cancer rehabilitation program
• Specialized  nutrition care for those fighting cancer

Complementary therapies include:

• Naturopathic care 
• Massage therapy 
• Meditation 
• Art therapy
• Music therapy 

See Patient Support and Resources and Services for the Body, Mind and Sprit at Swedish.

Appointments & Referrals

Radiation Therapy

Locations & phone numbers

Chemotherapy

Locations & phone numbers

See also:
All contacts & phone numbers
New patient Information