Specialists use radiation therapy to destroy thyroid cancer cells that remain after surgery and thyroid cancer that has spread (metastasized). Penn Medicine radiation oncologists have the expertise to treat all types of thyroid cancer.
Radiation Therapy for Thyroid Cancer: The Penn Medicine Difference
Penn radiation oncologists are experts in treating cancers of the head and neck, including thyroid cancer. We use leading-edge technologies and sophisticated equipment to improve health outcomes and protect healthy tissue.
We design radiation therapy plans that radiation oncologists deliver at the Abramson Cancer Center or at a Penn Medicine location near your home. Count on us for tailored treatments that destroy thyroid cancer and help you heal.
How Does Radiation Therapy for Thyroid Cancer Work?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells in the body. We use sophisticated equipment to precisely target these rays only to the area of the tumor.
Penn Medicine experts use precise measurements to develop personalized radiation treatment plans that spare healthy tissue. We use radiation therapy to treat metastatic thyroid cancers and cancers that have come back (recurred).
Types of Radiation Treatment for Thyroid Cancer
Our radiation oncologists collaborate with thyroid cancer experts in endocrinology, pathology and surgery to develop radiation treatments for your specific needs. We offer:
External Beam Radiation Therapy
Penn Medicine experts calculate the precise angles and radiation dosing for your body. We use a machine (linear accelerator) that points high-energy rays directly at tumors.
Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
In IMRT, radiation oncologists use a computer-controlled linear accelerator to design treatments that adjust precisely to the tumor's three-dimensional shape. This precision allows higher radiation doses to destroy tumors while sparing structures like the esophagus or voice box (larynx).
Proton Therapy
Our experts at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center, use proton therapy to deliver the most precise dose of radiation to destroy thyroid tumors. We start by using a sophisticated machine (cyclotron) to create protons (positively charged atoms).
Our radiation oncologists collaborate with Penn Medicine nuclear medicine and radiology experts to develop treatment plans for your unique needs. We use magnetic fields to guide proton beams directly to cancer cells to damage their DNA and destroy them.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
We use SBRT to deliver a high radiation dose directly to thyroid tumors. This direct radiation helps destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Experts use imaging tests to guide radiation to the tumor's exact location to ensure the most accurate dosing.
How Long is Radiation Therapy for Thyroid Cancer?
Different radiation treatments for thyroid cancer need different dosing schedules. If you have external beam radiation therapy, you can expect to have treatments several days each week for several weeks. If you have SBRT, you may have one to five treatments.
Your schedule will depend on the personalized treatment plan our experts create for you.
Side Effects of Thyroid Radiation Therapy
Sometimes, radiation treatment for thyroid cancer can destroy a small amount of healthy tissue in the treated area. Some people who have radiation treatments experience side effects such as:
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Skin rash or changes that look like a sunburn
- Sore throat and hoarseness
You might feel a little sore after radiation therapy. Some people also have a headache or trouble swallowing. If thyroid cancer has spread beyond the thyroid, you might experience hair loss near the treated area.
Thyroid Cancer Support Services
We provide information, resources and other services to support your healing during and after thyroid cancer treatment. Learn more about support services for thyroid cancer.
Make an Appointment
Please call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.