How long can one live after thyroid cancer surgery?

Jun 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have thyroid cancer and have also undergone surgery. I would like to know how long one can live after thyroid cancer surgery.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
The survival time after thyroid cancer surgery depends on multiple factors. 1. The pathological type of thyroid cancer directly affects the survival period. For example, papillary thyroid carcinoma has a better prognosis, with a 10-year survival rate as high as 91%, whereas anaplastic thyroid carcinoma has the worst prognosis, with a median survival period of only 3-7 months. 2. Factors such as the patient's age, gender, and family history of hereditary diseases also influence the prognosis. Generally, older age, male gender, and a family history of thyroid cancer are associated with a poorer prognosis. 3. The extent of surgical success and adjuvant therapies such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and drug treatment also significantly impact survival duration. If the patient actively cooperates with treatment, and the cancer is detected early and promptly intervened, survival time can be significantly prolonged, potentially without affecting normal life expectancy. For patients with thyroid cancer, early diagnosis, active treatment, and regular follow-up are key to improving survival rates.