{"id":1397,"date":"2022-04-21T11:29:05","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T11:29:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/?page_id=1397"},"modified":"2025-06-27T05:12:24","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T05:12:24","slug":"treatment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Treatment options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-my-treatment-options\">My treatment options<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-16720249-7c47-42bd-a1d8-9bb3ab53a037\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-16720249-7c47-42bd-a1d8-9bb3ab53a037\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-16720249-7c47-42bd-a1d8-9bb3ab53a037\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Is this information appropriate for my situation? <\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-16720249-7c47-42bd-a1d8-9bb3ab53a037\">\n\n<p>The information on this page is relevant for people with low-risk thyroid cancer.\u00a0 If you&#8217;re not sure whether this applies to you, please check with your surgeon or endocrinologist.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The information here is general information, and it may not completely apply to your situation. Therefore, it&#8217;s important to review this information with your surgeon before making a final decision.\u00a0 Please do take notes or write down anything that is important to you, or any questions that you may have.\u00a0  You may like to review this information with a friend or family member, or discuss it with your local doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The information here is of a general nature, and does not cover every possible risk or complication of each treatment.  If you would like more details about any aspect of these treatments, it is important that you discuss this with your doctor.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For most people, there are three possible treatment options.  Each option is described below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:25% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"983\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ttx_p.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2984 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ttx_p.jpg 983w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ttx_p-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ttx_p-768x563.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 983px) 100vw, 983px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 1: Total thyroidectomy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Surgery is performed to remove the whole thyroid gland<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-06de1042-09c5-4c49-9247-7d01e18e45a8\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-06de1042-09c5-4c49-9247-7d01e18e45a8\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-06de1042-09c5-4c49-9247-7d01e18e45a8\" style=\"color: #000000; \">What are the benefits of removing the whole thyroid gland?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-06de1042-09c5-4c49-9247-7d01e18e45a8\">\n\n<p>The cancer is removed straight away<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Removing the non-cancerous side of the thyroid as well means a second cancer cannot grow there in the future.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Removing the whole thyroid means that if you need to be treated with radioactive iodine in the future, then this can occur without needing more surgery<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-1f25b657-0113-4972-83fd-d4e99d9140b4\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-1f25b657-0113-4972-83fd-d4e99d9140b4\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-1f25b657-0113-4972-83fd-d4e99d9140b4\" style=\"color: #000000; \">What are the specific risks of removing the whole thyroid gland?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-1f25b657-0113-4972-83fd-d4e99d9140b4\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Because the whole thyroid gland is removed, thyroid hormone replacement tablets must be taken for the rest of your life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the calcium glands (parathyroid glands) are permanently injured during surgery, you will need to take calcium tablets for the rest of your life.\u00a0 The chance of this happening is less than 5% (1 in 20)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There may be a change in the quality or volume of your voice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-1-1f25b657-0113-4972-83fd-d4e99d9140b4\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-1f25b657-0113-4972-83fd-d4e99d9140b4\" style=\"color: #000000; \">What is the impact of thyroid surgery on my life?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-1-1f25b657-0113-4972-83fd-d4e99d9140b4\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You will need to stay in hospital for 1-2 nights after the surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depending on your job, you may need to take 1-2 weeks off work to recover prior to returning to work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There will be a small scar in your neck that will generally become less prominent over time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You will need to take thyroid hormone replacement tablets for the rest of your life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You will need regular blood tests after the surgery to check hormone and calcium levels, and may need to take additional tablets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-2-1f25b657-0113-4972-83fd-d4e99d9140b4\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-1f25b657-0113-4972-83fd-d4e99d9140b4\" style=\"color: #000000; \">What is the chance of the cancer coming back after removing the whole thyroid?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-2-1f25b657-0113-4972-83fd-d4e99d9140b4\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For low-risk cancer, the chance of it coming back in the next 10 years is generally less than 5%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A recurrence can be detected with ultrasound or with blood tests as part of regular follow up.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If a recurrence is detected, it is usually treated with surgical removal followed by radioactive iodine.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:25% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"983\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/htx_p.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2982 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/htx_p.jpg 983w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/htx_p-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/htx_p-768x563.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 983px) 100vw, 983px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 2: Hemithyroidectomy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Surgery is performed to remove the half of the thyroid gland containing the cancer<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-cec7121b-0a60-4cbf-8c4f-2d021c9086e0\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-cec7121b-0a60-4cbf-8c4f-2d021c9086e0\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-cec7121b-0a60-4cbf-8c4f-2d021c9086e0\" style=\"color: #000000; \">What are the benefits of removing half the thyroid gland?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-cec7121b-0a60-4cbf-8c4f-2d021c9086e0\">\n\n<p>The cancer is removed straight away<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The chance of needing to take thyroid hormone tablets is lower than for a total thyroidectomy (about a 1 in 3 chance, or 30%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The chance of needing to take calcium tablets for hypoparathyroidism is close to zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The chance of voice change after the operation is reduced (compared to total thyroidectomy)<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-e5d71aac-06d8-4f3f-b152-b13302d66893\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-e5d71aac-06d8-4f3f-b152-b13302d66893\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-e5d71aac-06d8-4f3f-b152-b13302d66893\" style=\"color: #000000; \">What are the specific risks of removing half the thyroid gland?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-e5d71aac-06d8-4f3f-b152-b13302d66893\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The remaining half of your thyroid is usually able to make enough thyroid hormone that you don&#8217;t need to take thyroid hormone tablets. However, in about 1 in 3 cases (30%), thyroid hormone tablets are required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the calcium glands (parathyroid glands) are injured during surgery, the glands on the other side of your neck will usually function normally.  This means that the chance of needing to take calcium tablets lifelong is close to zero.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There may be a change in the quality or volume of your voice.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sometimes a second operation is required to remove the other half of the thyroid.\u00a0 This can be recommended if there were unexpected features of your cancer that were detected only after it was removed.\u00a0\u00a0 Your surgeon can advise how likely they think this might be, but the chance could be as high as 30% (1 in 3).\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-1-e5d71aac-06d8-4f3f-b152-b13302d66893\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-e5d71aac-06d8-4f3f-b152-b13302d66893\" style=\"color: #000000; \">What is the impact of thyroid surgery on my life?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-1-e5d71aac-06d8-4f3f-b152-b13302d66893\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You will need to stay in hospital for 1-2 nights after the surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depending on your job, you may need to take 1-2 weeks off work to recover.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There will be a small scar in your neck that will generally become less prominent over time.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You will need regular blood tests after the surgery to check hormone and calcium levels, and may need to take additional tablets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-2-e5d71aac-06d8-4f3f-b152-b13302d66893\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-e5d71aac-06d8-4f3f-b152-b13302d66893\" style=\"color: #000000; \">What is the chance of the cancer coming back after removing half the thyroid gland?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-2-e5d71aac-06d8-4f3f-b152-b13302d66893\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For low-risk cancer, the chance of it coming back in the next 10 years is generally less than 5-10%.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The risk of the cancer coming back is slightly higher if half the thyroid remains present (compared to having the whole thyroid removed).  This is because small cancers can occasionally develop in the remaining thyroid (the chance of this happening is generally less than 5%, or a 1 in 20 chance).   <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: var(--ast-global-color-3); background-color: var(--ast-global-color-5); font-size: 1rem;\">Recurrences can be detected with an ultrasound of the neck.\u00a0 Blood tests are generally not useful to detect recurrences when half the thyroid remains present.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If a recurrence is detected, it is usually treated with surgical removal followed by radioactive iodine.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:25% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"983\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/as_p.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2983 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/as_p.jpg 983w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/as_p-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/as_p-768x563.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 983px) 100vw, 983px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 3: Active surveillance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No surgery is performed. The thyroid cancer remains in your body and is monitored for growth.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-3f340bfb-356b-4cdb-8a29-ea4300f4bf5c\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-3f340bfb-356b-4cdb-8a29-ea4300f4bf5c\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-3f340bfb-356b-4cdb-8a29-ea4300f4bf5c\" style=\"color: #000000; \">What is involved?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-3f340bfb-356b-4cdb-8a29-ea4300f4bf5c\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The cancer is closely monitored with ultrasound scans (at first every 6 months), and surgery is performed if there is sign of growth or progression.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This option is only available at a few sites in Australia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your cancer must be suitable for this option.  Your surgeon or endocrinologist will advise if this is an option you can consider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-c190001a-2e3f-49ef-87ec-a2f3a6ab51ab\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-c190001a-2e3f-49ef-87ec-a2f3a6ab51ab\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-c190001a-2e3f-49ef-87ec-a2f3a6ab51ab\" style=\"color: #000000; \">What are the benefits of active surveillance?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-c190001a-2e3f-49ef-87ec-a2f3a6ab51ab\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The need for neck surgery is avoided (for many people)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The risks associated with neck surgery and anesthetic are avoided (for most people).\u00a0 You can read about these risks in the total thyroidectomy and hemithyroidectomy sections above.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-1-c190001a-2e3f-49ef-87ec-a2f3a6ab51ab\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-c190001a-2e3f-49ef-87ec-a2f3a6ab51ab\" style=\"color: #000000; \">What is the impact of active surveillance on my life?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-1-c190001a-2e3f-49ef-87ec-a2f3a6ab51ab\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not all centres in Australia currently offer active surveillance programs.\u00a0 You may have to travel to a centre that offers active surveillance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You will need to have regular ultrasounds with a specialist thyroid doctor who is familiar with active surveillance, usually 1-2 times per year for a minimum of 5-10 years.  This is more frequently than you would require follow up if you chose to have surgery.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You will need to be comfortable with the idea of a small cancer remaining in your body, that will be closely monitored.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-2-c190001a-2e3f-49ef-87ec-a2f3a6ab51ab\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-c190001a-2e3f-49ef-87ec-a2f3a6ab51ab\" style=\"color: #000000; \">What are the specific risks of active surveillance?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap left\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-2-c190001a-2e3f-49ef-87ec-a2f3a6ab51ab\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some people are anxious that a cancer remains in their body<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is a small chance that the cancer could grow or spread.\u00a0 However, the regular ultrasound surveillance will mean that this is usually detected early, and can usually be completely treated.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to do next?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We recommend you &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/?page_id=1395\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1395\">think about your choice<\/a>&#8221; using a tool that helps you think through and process this information, and weigh various options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternately, <a href=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/?page_id=2963\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"2963\">you may have some specific questions. <\/a> Some common questions are outlined on our &#8220;Questions&#8221; page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to further review information on treatment choices you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/?page_id=2706\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"2706\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Review information in a summary table<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/?page_id=2718\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"2718\">Download a printable 2 page summary<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"244\" height=\"300\" data-id=\"3103\" src=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3_nbg-244x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3_nbg-244x300.png 244w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3_nbg-832x1024.png 832w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3_nbg-768x945.png 768w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3_nbg-1249x1536.png 1249w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3_nbg-1665x2048.png 1665w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 244px) 100vw, 244px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"832\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"3104\" src=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/4_nbg-832x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/4_nbg-832x1024.png 832w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/4_nbg-244x300.png 244w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/4_nbg-768x945.png 768w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/4_nbg-1249x1536.png 1249w, https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/4_nbg-1665x2048.png 1665w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 832px) 100vw, 832px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>My treatment options For most people, there are three possible treatment options. Each option is described below. Option 1: Total thyroidectomy Surgery is performed to remove the whole thyroid gland Option 2: Hemithyroidectomy Surgery is performed to remove the half of the thyroid gland containing the cancer Option 3: Active surveillance No surgery is performed. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"unboxed","site-sidebar-style":"unboxed","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"enabled","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1397","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"featured_image_src":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1397","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1397"}],"version-history":[{"count":121,"href":"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1397\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3262,"href":"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1397\/revisions\/3262"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thyroidology.au\/thyroid_aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1397"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}