Thyroid Cancer Program

Why Choose Us?

Our thyroid cancer team consists of highly skilled, experienced physicians, including renowned endocrinologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, who collectively bring a wealth of expertise to the management of thyroid cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, these experts collaborate seamlessly to create individualized treatment plans, based on each patient's specific needs, ensuring the highest standard of care.

In recent years, there have been many important technological advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. Our team are specialists in delivering these advanced therapies, giving our patients peace of mind.

What We Treat

Thyroid cancer begins in the thyroid gland, which is a part of the endocrine system. It produces hormones that regulate our metabolism, heart rate and body temperature. Most thyroid cancers respond well to treatment and are highly curable. The two main types of thyroid cancer are papillary and follicular.

Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Symptoms of thyroid cancer include: 

• Lump in the neck
• Hoarseness  
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck. 

Causes & Risk Factors of Thyroid Cancer

Doctors don’t know what causes thyroid cancer but there are some factors that increase the risk of it developing. It is around three times more common in women than men. It can occur at any age, but it occurs more commonly in women in their 40s and 50s and in men in their 60s and 70s. If you have a first degree relative with thyroid cancer, this may increase your risk. Previous exposure to high levels of radiation to the head and neck may also increase the risk. 

Some inherited genetic conditions have been linked to thyroid cancer. These include: 

• Medullary thyroid cancer/Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) 
• Cowden disease 
• Carney complex type I 
• Familial non-medullary thyroid carcinoma 
• Werner syndrome.

Diagnosis & Treatment

In recent years, there have been many important technological advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. Our program is lead by a team of endocrinologists, thyroid surgeons and oncologists who are experienced in delivering these advanced therapies, which are improving outcomes for thyroid cancer patients.

Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer

To diagnose thyroid cancer, your doctor may perform one or more of the following tests:

• Blood tests: To check hormone levels and to understand if the thyroid is working properly.
• Thyroid ultrasound scan: To determine the size, character, and risk of malignancy of each thyroid nodule.
• Biopsy: A fine needle is used to collect cells from the thyroid or lymph nodes to test for cancer.
• More specialized imaging scans such as radioiodine scans, MRI, CT and PET-CT scans may also be necessary in some cases.

Treatment for Thyroid Cancer

Surgery is the main treatment modality for cancer of the thyroid. Surgical treatment will depend on the tumor size, its character and whether it has spread beyond the thyroid gland.

The doctor may remove all or part of the thyroid gland and any lymph nodes to which the cancer has spread. Following the initial surgery, other treatment options that may be indicated include:

• Radioiodine therapy: A pill or liquid containing radioactive iodine (a higher dose than the diagnostic procedure) is swallowed, which shrinks and destroys any remaining thyroid cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation is used to kill cancer cells or to stop them from growing.
• Protein-kinase inhibitors: Drugs are given to kill cancer cells and stop its growth.

In advanced or recurrent cases of cancers of the endocrine system, and/or special types of endocrine cancers, targeted therapies, immunotherapy or chemotherapy can be offered. Your clinical team can advise further if a medical oncologist consultation is needed.

To learn more about the treatment options for thyroid cancer, click here

Prevention & Screening

Doctors are still unsure how to prevent thyroid cancer.

As doctors don’t know why people develop thyroid cancer, prevention is also not possible. However, if you know that you are at risk for thyroid cancer, please seek advice from your doctor.

To learn more about preventing thyroid cancer, and the signs and symptoms to look out for, click here.

Program Caregivers

The Thyroid Cancer Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a multidisciplinary collaboration across teams of skilled physicians. Caregivers involved include:

• Endocrinologists
• Surgical Oncologists
• Radiation Oncologists
• Medical Oncologists
• Radiologists
• Pathologists
• Oncology Nurse Coordinator
• Clinic Nurses