How many people have their thyroid glands partially resected for cancer

Hemirectomy for thyroid cancer generally refers to total thyroidectomy. Hemirectomy for thyroid cancer is generally more common than total thyroidectomy, but the specific surgical method should be determined based on the different types of thyroid cancer, the patient's specific conditions, and postoperative pathological diagnosis. Not all thyroid cancer patients need total thyroidectomy.

1. Papillary thyroid cancer: Papillary thyroid cancer grows slowly, has a long history, and is less malignant. Most patients with papillary thyroid cancer can be cured by hemithyroidectomy, and their prognosis is good. However, for other types of thyroid cancer, such as follicular carcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma, due to their higher malignancy and higher postoperative recurrence rate, total or near-total thyroidectomy should be performed to reduce the recurrence rate;

2. Follicular thyroid cancer: Follicular thyroid cancer grows rapidly and is prone to lymph node metastasis in the early stage. Most patients have local lymph node metastasis. Hemithyroidectomy cannot completely remove the lymph nodes, and the recurrence rate after surgery is also high. Therefore, total or near-total thyroidectomy should be performed.

3. Medullary thyroid cancer: Medullary thyroid cancer is less malignant and can be cured in most cases. Total or near-total thyroidectomy is also effective. However, if the tumor is close to the trachea or esophagus, it cannot be completely removed. After surgery, drugs such as levothyroxine sodium tablets are needed to maintain thyroid hormone levels.

4. Anaplastic carcinoma: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is highly malignant and metastasizes early. Most patients cannot undergo total thyroidectomy and need to be treated with the radionuclide iodine-131. Some patients can be treated with total or near-total thyroidectomy plus lymph node dissection.

The surgical treatment plan for thyroid cancer patients should be selected according to the patient's specific situation. It is recommended that patients maintain a good attitude and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a doctor.