A healthy thyroid gland is approximately the size of a quarter and produces hormones that regulate body weight, metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. Cancer of the thyroid occurs when a cluster of tumors accumulate on the thyroid gland. These tumors are malignant, comprising about 10 percent of thyroid nodule cases. Although conventional treatments, such as surgery, have long been trusted methods of thyroid cancer cure, alternative treatments are increasing in popularity to be used with or instead of conventional treatments.
Types of Conventional Treatment
The most common type of treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery, in which the entire thyroid is removed along with the tumors. Surgery becomes necessary in order to prevent metastasis, or spreading of the cancer. Once the thyroid is removed, a patient will likely take hormone replacement drugs for the rest of her life. Other methods of conventional treatment for thyroid cancer include radioiodine therapy and chemotherapy.
Types of Alternative Treatment
Alternative treatments for thyroid cancer are often used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments, and are often referred to as complementary medical treatments. Patients seek complementary medical treatment in order to help ease side effects of medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, and to help them emotionally and spiritually.
According to the National Cancer Institute, there are five types of alternative treatments: biological, energy medicine, manipulative practices, mind-body, and whole medical methods. Biological methods include the consumption of special vitamins and herbs, or undertaking a special diet. Energy medical practices include bodily energy restoration techniques, such as tai-chi. Manipulative practices include deep-tissue massages and undergoing chiropractic care. Mind-body treatments include the practices of yoga, meditation, and hypnotherapy. One whole medical method is Chinese medicine.
Conventional vs. Alternative Treatment
When an individual undergoes the above treatments exclusive from conventional medicine, it is referred to as alternative treatment. Although these treatments have been proven to help alleviate cancer symptoms in conjunction with traditional medicine, growing skepticism of conventional medical treatments has led to the rise in the number of individuals who are opting for exclusive alternative treatments for their thyroid cancer.
For example, there are a number of herbs available that are marketed to help alleviate thyroid symptoms, such as lemon balm. There are even methods in which a thyroid cancer patient uses a body cleanse to get rid of the cancer. However, when thyroid disease reaches the cancerous level, it is strongly advised by the National Cancer Institute that such individuals seek a medical professional for treatment. Although most thyroid conditions are not fatal, cancer can be, as it can spread to other areas of the body.
Tags: thyroid cancer, medical treatments, alternative treatments, Alternative Treatment, Cancer Institute, complementary medical, conjunction with
