German Thyroid Center
About
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It secretes hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism, energy production, and overall growth and development. While it performs its functions quietly, thyroid disorders can have a significant impact on an individual’s well-being. Common benign thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, that may cause to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
- Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism results from an overactive thyroid gland, that may cause symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety.
- Benign Thyroid Nodules: These are non-cancerous growths that can develop within the thyroid gland, often causing no symptoms but occasionally leading to discomfort or swelling.
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid, which can be caused by autoimmune factors, viral infections, or medications, resulting in various symptoms.
Departments Involved
Main Departments
Cooperative Departments
The Multifaceted Role of the Thyroid Unit
The Thyroid Unit, a specialized unit of experts, is a beacon of expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing both benign thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer. This following text explores the multifaceted nature of the Thyroid Unit, encompassing its role in addressing benign thyroid conditions and its critical mission in confronting thyroid cancer.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Benign Thyroid Diseases
The Thyroid Unit excels in diagnosing and managing a spectrum of benign thyroid conditions:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Patients with thyroid disorders receive a thorough evaluation, including a medical history review, physical examination, and specialized diagnostic tests such as thyroid function tests and ultrasound imaging. This comprehensive approach ensures accurate diagnosis.
- Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Management: For patients with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, endocrinologists of the Thyroid Unit prescribe appropriate hormone replacement therapy or antithyroid medications, meticulously adjusting dosages to optimize thyroid function.
- Benign Thyroid Nodule Management: In cases of benign thyroid nodules, the Thyroid Unit offers expert guidance. While many nodules are harmless, patients with symptomatic or concerning nodules may undergo fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to rule out malignancy.
- Thyroiditis Management: Thyroiditis, whether autoimmune or viral in nature, is diagnosed and managed with precision. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications or interventions to alleviate symptoms.
Comprehensive Care for Thyroid Cancer
Cancer is a formidable adversary, impacting millions of lives worldwide. In response to the increasing incidence of thyroid cancer and the unique challenges it presents, the German Medical Institute has established a specialized unit dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and care of thyroid cancer patients. Thyroid cancer has seen in a steady rise in incidence in recent decades. According to the American Cancer Society, it is one of the most rapidly increasing cancers worldwide. While the reasons for this increase are still under investigation, factors such as improved diagnostic techniques and heightened awareness have contributed to earlier detection. This has made it imperative to establish specialized units dedicated to the management of thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer originates in the thyroid gland. The cancerous growth in the thyroid can vary in type, with papillary and follicular thyroid cancer being the most common forms. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the most aggressive (and luckily most rare), while medullary thyroid cancer originates from the parafollicular cells of the thyroid.
The Thyroid Unit’s responsibilities extend to the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of thyroid cancer:
- Early Detection: Early diagnosis is in some cases favourable for thyroid cancer, and the Thyroid Unit employs advanced diagnostic techniques, including high-resolution ultrasound, CT scans, PET/CT scan and MRI imaging, to identify suspicious thyroid nodules and assess their characteristics.
- Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: For nodules with concerning features, the Thyroid Unit offers FNA biopsy, a minimally invasive procedure that enables pathologists to determine whether a nodule is benign or malignant.
- Specialized Surgery: If thyroid cancer is confirmed, skilled thyroid surgeons within the unit perform surgical procedures, which may range from partial thyroidectomy to total thyroidectomy with or without lymph node resection. These procedures are conducted with a focus on preserving vital structures such as the parathyroid glands and recurrent laryngeal nerves.
- Radioactive Iodine Therapy: For many types of thyroid cancer, such as differentiated thyroid cancer, the Thyroid Unit administers radioactive iodine therapy to eliminate remaining thyroid tissue or cancerous cells after surgery. The GMI has designed specialized facilities within the unit administer this therapy safely in a patient friendly and pleasant environment.
- External Beam Radiation Therapy: In rare cases where surgery or radioactive iodine therapy may not be sufficient, radiation oncologists provide precise external beam radiation therapy to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
- Immunotherapy/Chemotherapy: Similarly, for more aggressive or advanced thyroid cancers, medical oncologists develop tailored chemotherapy regimens to control the disease and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
- Long-Term Follow-Up: Patients with thyroid cancer experience receive dedicated long-term follow-up care to monitor for recurrence, evaluate thyroid hormone levels, and address potential side effects of treatment.
The Multidisciplinary Approach
Central to the effectiveness of a Thyroid Cancer Care Unit is its multidisciplinary approach to patient care. A team of highly specialized healthcare professionals collaborates to develop tailored treatment plans for each patient. This team typically includes:
- Endocrinologists: These specialists focus on the endocrine system and play a pivotal role in managing thyroid hormone imbalances and hormone replacement therapy following surgery.
- Radiologists: Diagnostic radiologists interpret imaging scans, such as ultrasound, and perfume FNA when indicated, to accurately diagnose thyroid cancer.
- Surgeons: Thyroid surgeons are skilled in thyroidectomy, the surgical removal of part or the entire thyroid gland. Their expertise lies in preserving vital structures like the parathyroid glands and recurrent laryngeal nerves.
- Pathologists: Pathologists in the thyroid unit specialize in thyroid cancer, analyzing biopsy samples to determine the cancer type and stage.
- Nuclear thyroidologists: These specialists are trained nuclear medicine physicians with expertise in thyroid and among other vital functions they are responsible for the administrating radioactive iodine treatment.
- Oncologists: Medical oncologists provide systemic treatment options such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, while radiation oncologists oversee radiation therapy.
- Nurses: Dedicated thyroid cancer nurses provide personalized care, educate patients about their condition, and offer emotional support throughout the treatment journey.
This multidisciplinary team meets regularly to discuss complex cases, ensuring that patients receive the combined expertise of all specialists involved.
Comprehensive Support Services
The journey through thyroid cancer can be emotionally and physically challenging. To address these aspects of care, Thyroid Cancer Care Units in cooperation with internal and external partners (such as PASYKAF) offer comprehensive support services, including:
- Psychological Support: Coping with a cancer diagnosis can be emotionally taxing. Therefore, counselling and psychological support services are readily available to help patients and their families navigate the emotional aspects of their journey.
- Nutritional Counselling: Proper nutrition may play a vital role in recovery. Nutritional counsellors work with patients to develop dietary plans that support their overall health during and after treatment.
- Support Groups: Support groups provide a platform for patients to connect with others facing similar challenges. Led by experienced facilitators, these groups offer a space for sharing experiences, insights, and emotional support.
- Rehabilitation Services: Some patients may experience speech or swallowing difficulties post-surgery. Speech therapists and swallow therapists are on hand to provide rehabilitation services, helping patients regain their quality of life.
Research and Advancements
The Thyroid Unit is not just a place of clinical care but also a center for research and innovation. Ongoing research initiatives focus on improving diagnostics, refining treatment modalities, and enhancing the understanding of thyroid diseases. The unit participates in trials, offering eligible patients access to promising new therapies and contributing to the advancement of thyroid disease treatment.
Community Outreach and Education
A crucial component of the Thyroid Unit’s mission is community outreach and education. Public awareness campaigns (also in cooperation with external partners, such as PASYKAF) are organized to promote thyroid health, early detection, and lifestyle management. By educating the community about thyroid disorders and the importance of regular check-ups, the unit aims to empower individuals to take control of their thyroid health.
Overall, the Thyroid Unit stands as a beacon of hope and expertise, offering comprehensive care for a wide spectrum of thyroid disorders, from benign conditions to thyroid cancer. Its multidisciplinary approach, cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments, commitment to research, and dedication to community outreach make it an invaluable asset in the field of endocrinology and nuclear medicine. With the rise in thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer incidence, the Thyroid Unit plays a pivotal role in improving the lives of patients while advancing the understanding and treatment of these conditions. Whether addressing the nuances of benign thyroid diseases or the complexities of thyroid cancer, the Thyroid Unit remains steadfast in its mission to provide transformative care and empower individuals to embrace thyroid health with confidence.
Contact details
- (+357) 25 208 000
- [email protected]
- 1, Nikis Avenue 4108, Agios Athanasios, Cyprus
- Mon - Fri | 08:00 - 17:00
