Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the thyroid gland, which is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. Thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the thyroid gland begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It does not always have symptoms until the thyroid becomes quite enlarged and swollen.
These also present in many non-cancerous thyroid conditions, so medical diagnosis and testing is essential.
*Information supplied is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. Refer to your medical professional.
At The Lucy Rose Clinic, we focus on reversing early signs of thyroid disease by correcting the health and function of the body. Functional screening picks up the subtle changes and guides a treatment that is aimed at correcting dysfunction with a holistic approach.
From a Functional Health perspective, we are not trying to diagnose your thyroid cancer but to understand how and why a thyroid may be malfunctioning. Therefore, further testing is used to under the complete picture behind the symptoms. We aim to treat the cause, not just the symptoms.
This panel tests 8 markers which is essential to understanding the function of your thyroid, your metabolism and any inflammation that is present in the body. This test is critical for thyroid cancer patients and is often run at regular intervals.
Bromide blocks iodine absorption in the body creating a state of ill health. Cancer patients may need to avoid iodine depending on where they are along their cancer treatment journey. As iodine is a known carcinopreventive agent, assessing your levels and supplementing under professional guidance is recommended.
Stress has been well associated with thyroid hormone dysregulation, and even is questioned as a factor to cancer due to how stress interferes with the immune response, suppressing the function of immune-protective cells. Cortisol testing is recommended, as well as melatonin, as healing occurs during deep sleep.
This test investigates blood glucose and insulin levels which have been linked to the development of metabolic imbalances that can affect cancer growth via a number of mechanisms. This needs to be assessed alongside other markers as part of a complete testing profile.
Thyroid cancer was significantly associated with a higher risk for cerebrovascular disease and atrial fibrillation in both patients with and without radioactive iodine treatment. Screening is recommended even if no symptoms are present as part of a thorough testing protocol.
The key nutrients affecting the metabolic system include B12, active Folate, vitamin D3, and iron studies. Our testing ensures that supplemental recommendations are precise and support your best outcomes, as well as energy, weight, and moods.
Deranged liver enzymes affecting detoxification of the body due to cancer are not uncommon, especially if radiation or chemotherapy has been administered in a patient’s lifetime. This range of tests allows a practitioner to recommend the most appropriate herbs and/or nutrients to support liver health and optimal function.
Thyroid cancer occurs more often in women than in men and experts think it may be related to the hormone estrogen. This profile assesses the three major sex hormones which all can impact, drive, or put into remission certain types of cancer.
People with cancer are more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, food allergies, and food intolerances. Removing specific foods from the diet for a period of time according to a blood test reduces inflammation, and improves digestive symptoms when used as a part of a healing program.
The following information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor for specific advice.
If your thyroid hormone production is too high, an anti-thyroid medication (carbimazole or propylthiouracil) may be given. This medication reduces the production of thyroid hormones. Regular blood tests will be ordered by your doctor to check hormone levels are returning to a normal range.
Radioactive iodine may be used to reduce thyroid hormone production by destroying some or all of the thyroid gland. This is a permanent alteration to the thyroid gland and non-reversible, and not a treatment we recommend unless all other approaches have failed.
For most patients, this is a single treatment, taken as a pill that releases radioactive iodine. The thyroid gland absorbs the iodine, and the radiation damages and destroys the thyroid cells.
f too much thyroid hormone is being produced by the thyroid gland which cannot be controlled by an anti-thyroid medication or radioactive iodine treatment, surgery is generally recommended. For Graves’ disease, surgery involves removing all the thyroid gland – ‘total thyroidectomy’, also called TT. After a total thyroidectomy, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine) will be needed so that your body gets enough thyroid hormone to keep functioning.
As with radioactive iodine treatment, due to the permanency of the operation, we would consider this as a last resort if other functional medicine approaches fail. Many patients who have had a TT discover better medication management when combining a functional medicine approach that focuses on nutritional therapy, herbal medicine, and diet intervention to live a healthier life.
Integrative treatments are available for you at all stages of the cancer journey and can greatly improve your quality of life, treatment outcomes, mental health, and general feelings of wellness. Always work with an experienced integrative practitioner as nutrients and herbs can have unwanted side effects when used in conjunction with medical treatments.
Common deficiencies that contribute to autoimmune thyroid disease include zinc, vitamin D3, magnesium, B12, and active folate (L-Methylfolate). A functional health practitioner can test for vitamin and mineral deficiencies so these can be adequately treated.
A gluten and dairy-free diet can help reduce inflammation and aid in reducing autoimmune antibodies. It is also useful to avoid any foods that specifically cause inflammation in your body (which can be detected by doing a food intolerance test).
Botanical medicines can also help in “immune modulation” – that is, to help the immune system recognise self- from foreign antigens, and stop attacking its own tissues. Generally, a holistic approach is required to treat Graves’ disease with natural medicine, which includes diet modification, stress management, and herbal medicine.
Adrenal support is essential to help reduce stress levels, as stress is a well-recognised driver of autoimmune disease. We run 3-point saliva testing to assess adrenal hormone function, and sleep/insomnia.
