A Detailed Guide to Thyroid Cancer Treatment in the UAE
09 Jul, 2024
Dr. Divya NagpalHave you or someone close to you been diagnosed with thyroid cancer? It's a moment that can leave you feeling lost and afraid, isn't it? You're probably grappling with countless questions. What does this diagnosis mean? What treatment options are available? And where can you find the best care to tackle this challenge?
The uncertainty can be overwhelming. Every day that passes feels like precious time slipping away. But how do you navigate the complex world of cancer treatment, especially in a foreign country? Take heart - you're not alone in this fight. The UAE has become a leading destination for thyroid cancer treatment, offering cutting-edge medical facilities and highly skilled specialists. In this detailed guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about getting thyroid cancer treatment in the UAE, from initial diagnosis to long-term follow-up care.
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Symptoms of thyroid cancer
a. Lump in the Neck: One of the most common signs is feeling a lump or swelling in your neck, usually around the area of your Adam's apple. It's something you might notice while showering or getting dressed.
b. Voice Changes: Have you noticed your voice sounding hoarse or different lately, and it hasn't gone away even after a cold or flu? That could be a sign that the cancer is affecting your vocal cords.
c. Difficulty Swallowing: Do you find it hard to swallow, or does it feel like there's something stuck in your throat? This might happen if a tumour is putting pressure on your esophagus.
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d. Neck Pain: Some people with thyroid cancer experience pain or discomfort in their neck, especially around where the thyroid gland is located.
e. Swollen Lymph Nodes: If you feel enlarged lymph nodes in your neck, it could be a sign that the cancer has spread beyond the thyroid.
f. Breathing Issues: Do you have trouble breathing, especially when lying down or exerting yourself? This could happen if a thyroid tumour is pressing on your windpipe.
g. Persistent Cough: If you have a cough that just won't seem to go away, it could be a sign that the cancer has spread to nearby areas in your neck.
h. Thyroid Nodule: While most thyroid nodules are benign, it's essential to get any new or growing lumps in your neck checked out by a doctor.
These symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone with thyroid cancer will experience all of them. If you notice any of these signs, especially a lump in your neck or persistent voice changes, it's crucial to see a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Diagnosis of Thyroid cancer
A. Physical Examination: During the physical exam, a healthcare provider assesses the neck for any abnormalities in the thyroid gland, such as lumps or enlargement (goitre). They also check for swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
B. Medical History Review: The patient's medical history is thoroughly reviewed to understand symptoms related to thyroid function, such as voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or signs of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Any relevant risk factors, such as radiation exposure or family history of thyroid conditions, are also considered.
C. Blood Tests: Blood tests are conducted to measure thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4). In cases where medullary thyroid cancer is suspected, levels of calcitonin may also be tested.
D. Imaging Studies and Biopsy:
- Imaging: Ultrasound is used to visualize the thyroid gland and assess any nodules or masses. This helps determine their size, location, and characteristics.
- Biopsy: If suspicious nodules are found, a biopsy is performed. This can be a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsy, where cells are extracted using a thin needle for cytological analysis, or a core needle biopsy for obtaining a larger tissue sample.
E. Pathology and Molecular Testing: Biopsy samples are examined under a microscope by a pathologist to identify the type of thyroid cancer (e.g., papillary, follicular, medullary). Molecular testing may also be performed to detect specific genetic mutations or rearrangements associated with thyroid cancer.
F. Staging: After confirming thyroid cancer, staging tests are conducted to determine the extent (stage) of cancer spread. This may include additional imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI, PET scan, or bone scan.
G. Multidisciplinary Approach: A multidisciplinary team of specialists, including endocrinologists, oncologists, surgeons, and pathologists, collaborates to develop an individualized treatment plan based on the specific type and stage of thyroid cancer. This ensures comprehensive care and optimal treatment outcomes for the patient.
Treatment Options for Thyroid Cancer in the UAE
1. Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer and typically involves the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. A total thyroidectomy, where the entire thyroid is removed, is often performed if the cancer is widespread. In cases where cancer is localized, a lobectomy, which removes only one lobe of the thyroid, may be sufficient. Additionally, if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, a neck dissection might be conducted to remove affected lymph nodes.
2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI): After thyroidectomy, patients often undergo radioactive iodine therapy to eliminate any remaining thyroid tissue or microscopic cancer cells. This therapy is particularly effective for certain types of thyroid cancer, such as papillary and follicular cancers. Patients ingest radioactive iodine, which targets thyroid cells, including cancerous ones, and destroys them.
3. Thyroid Hormone Therapy: Post-surgery, patients are typically prescribed thyroid hormone replacement therapy, such as levothyroxine. This medication not only replaces the hormones the body can no longer produce but also helps suppress the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which could otherwise stimulate the growth of any remaining cancer cells.
4. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): External beam radiation therapy is used in cases where cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or cannot be fully removed surgically. High-energy radiation beams are directed at the cancerous area to destroy cancer cells.
5. Chemotherapy: While not commonly used for most types of thyroid cancer, chemotherapy may be employed for aggressive forms like anaplastic thyroid cancer or other advanced cases that do not respond to other treatments. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells.
6. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: For certain aggressive types of thyroid cancer that are resistant to traditional treatments, targeted therapies or immunotherapies may be options. These treatments specifically target cancer cells or enhance the immune system's ability to combat cancer. Examples include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Success Rates for Thyroid Cancer Treatment in the UAE
The success rates of thyroid cancer treatment in the UAE can vary significantly based on factors such as cancer type, stage, and individual patient characteristics:
1. Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Typically exhibits a 95% or higher 10-year survival rate, particularly when diagnosed early.
2. Follicular Thyroid Cancer: Generally shows a 90% or higher 10-year survival rate.
Factors Influencing Treatment Success Rates:
Type of Cancer: Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers often have favourable outcomes compared to other less common types.
Cancer Stage: Early detection enhances treatment effectiveness and improves prognosis.
Patient's Age and Health: Younger patients and those in good overall health typically have better prognoses.
Tumor Size: Smaller tumours are generally more manageable and associated with higher success rates.
Lymph Node Involvement: Spread to lymph nodes may necessitate more extensive treatment, potentially affecting success rates.
Cost of Thyroid Cancer Treatment in the UAE
The cost of thyroid cancer treatment in the UAE can vary based on several factors, including cancer type, treatment specifics, healthcare facility, and professional fees. Below is a general estimate for a thyroidectomy, the most common surgical procedure for thyroid cancer:
- Average Cost: $8,025
- Minimum Cost: $5,300
- Maximum Cost: $13,090
Please note that these figures are approximate and actual expenses may differ. For accurate cost information, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or hospital in the UAE.
Specialized Centers and Hospitals
1. HMS Al Garhoud Hospital
- Established Year: 2012
- Location: Al Garhoud, Near Millennium Airport Hotel - Dubai - United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates
About The Hospital:
- Number Of Beds: 117
- Operation Theatres: NA
- Number Of Surgeons: 5
- Fully equipped operating rooms and secondary operating rooms
- Obstetrics and gynaecology services beds
- Neonatal intensive care unit equipped with the latest technology (starting from 24 weeks)
- Emergency department operating around the clock
- Intensive care units equipped with the latest equipment
- The HMS Health and Medical Services Group's flagship hospital
- Offers world-class treatment with exceptional results
- Aims for the highest medical quality standards
- Located in the Al Garhoud neighbourhood of Dubai
- Easily accessible to patients from all regions of the UAE and GCC nations
- Reputation for delivering high-calibre care in a secure, cosy, and modern setting
HMS Al Garhoud Hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including anaesthesia, cardiology, dermatology, emergency care, gastroenterology, general surgery, intensive care, internal medicine, nephrology, neurology, obstetrics & gynaecology, ophthalmology, oncology, and many more.
- Established Year: 1974
- Location: 16th St - Khalifa City SE-4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates
About The Hospital:
- NMC Royal Hospital is a premier healthcare facility in Abu Dhabi, equipped with advanced technology and staffed by medical professionals trained in global healthcare practices.
- It provides high-quality healthcare services to patients not only in the capital but also from across the UAE and GCC.
- Strategically located in Khalifa City, it serves the growing populations of various Abu Dhabi suburbs, including Al Raha, Mussafah, Mohammed bin Zayed City, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Shahama, and Yas Island.
- Total Number of Beds: 500
- ICU Beds: 53
- Number of Surgeons: 12
- The hospital features state-of-the-art critical care units, including a dedicated cardiac unit with round-the-clock intensivist cover.
- A team of over 90 doctors, including 32 consultants and 28 specialists, is primarily Western qualified, ensuring high medical standards.
- The medical program at NMC Royal Hospital focuses on Cardiac Sciences, Emergency Medicine & Critical Care, Mother and Child Health, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and Neuro Sciences.
- The hospital boasts advanced medical technology, including a hybrid operating theatre, a 3 Tesla MRI unit, a 256-slice CT scanner, and an automated laboratory system.
- It has 53 critical care beds and offers the region's first NICU and PICU combination in the private sector.
- NMC Royal Hospital specializes in providing comprehensive clinical care, including a detailed chronic disease management program.
- The hospital offers a wide range of medical specialities, including Oncology, Orthopedics, Cardiology, Nephrology & Urology, ENT, and GI & Bariatric.
- NMC Royal Hospital, Abu Dhabi, is committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services and is a prominent healthcare destination in the region.
How can HealthTrip assist with your treatment?
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Hear from our satisfied patients.
Navigating thyroid cancer treatment in the UAE can be challenging, but understanding your options for advanced diagnostics, effective treatments, and specialized care can help. With high success rates for common thyroid cancers and support from top hospitals, patients can expect quality care. HealthTrip assists in connecting patients with leading doctors and facilities to ensure comprehensive support throughout their treatment journey.
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