What are the treatment methods for thyroid tumors?

Nov 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

In general, thyroid adenoma, a common benign tumor of the thyroid gland, requires treatment strategies tailored to factors such as tumor size, symptom presentation, and the patient's overall health condition. Treatment options mainly include regular follow-up observation, surgical intervention, radioactive iodine therapy, endocrine therapy, and ablation therapy. After treatment, patients should adhere to medical advice for regular follow-up examinations and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.

Generally, thyroid adenoma, as a common benign tumor of the thyroid gland, requires treatment selection based on a comprehensive assessment of tumor size, symptom presentation, and the patient's overall health. Main treatment options include regular follow-up observation, surgical intervention, radioactive iodine therapy, endocrine therapy, and ablation therapy. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Regular Follow-up Observation: For patients with small tumor volume and no obvious discomfort, immediate intervention is usually unnecessary. Instead, regular thyroid ultrasound examinations are performed to monitor changes in tumor size and morphology. If the tumor shows no significant growth during follow-up, routine monitoring can be maintained.

2. Surgical Treatment: When the tumor is large enough to compress surrounding tissues—causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or hoarseness—or when there is a risk of malignant transformation, surgical treatment is required. Surgical approaches mainly include adenoma enucleation or partial thyroidectomy, with the specific extent determined by tumor location, size, and individual patient factors.

3. Radioactive Iodine Therapy: This method is primarily used for certain thyroid adenoma patients, especially those with residual thyroid tissue after surgery or concerns about tumor recurrence. By orally administering radioactive iodine, the treatment leverages iodine’s natural accumulation in thyroid tissue to irradiate residual tumor cells or thyroid tissue, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence.

4. Endocrine Therapy: After surgery, patients typically need long-term administration of thyroid hormone medications, such as levothyroxine sodium tablets. These drugs not only supplement the body's required thyroid hormones to maintain normal thyroid function but also suppress pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion, thus lowering the risk of tumor recurrence.

5. Ablation Therapy: As a minimally invasive approach, ablation therapy is suitable for patients with small, superficial tumors without signs of malignancy. Under ultrasound guidance, an ablation needle is inserted into the tumor, where radiofrequency, microwave, or other energy sources induce coagulative necrosis of the tumor tissue, effectively eliminating the tumor. This method features minimal invasiveness and rapid recovery.

After treatment, patients should adhere to medical advice for regular follow-up visits, maintain healthy lifestyle habits, avoid excessive fatigue, and follow a balanced diet to support optimal recovery.

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Can patients with thyroid tumors smoke?

In general, patients with thyroid tumors should not smoke, as it may worsen discomfort and adverse reactions. If a thyroid tumor is present, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a正规 hospital. Therefore, quitting smoking is very important for patients with thyroid tumors. By stopping smoking, exposure to harmful substances can be reduced, minimizing adverse effects on the thyroid tumor and helping to slow disease progression.

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Can hyperthyroidism caused by adenoma be completely cured through surgery?

Benign thyroid tumors can usually be cured through surgery; early-stage malignant thyroid tumors may also be curable by surgical intervention; however, advanced malignant thyroid tumors are often difficult to cure surgically. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Regardless of whether the tumor is benign or malignant, comprehensive postoperative treatment should be administered based on individual circumstances.

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How are thyroid nodules caused?

Under normal circumstances, thyroid nodules may be caused by factors such as age and gender, iodine intake, radioactive exposure, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, and thyroid tumors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Additionally, it is important to maintain a regular作息 schedule, avoid staying up late, ensure adequate sleep, and enhance overall immune function.