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Stuart Oncology Associates
Personalized cancer care since 1979

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Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer, cared for close to home by one team.

Most thyroid cancers are managed by your endocrinologist and surgeon — often with surgery and radioactive iodine — and never need an oncologist. Our role begins with advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer: when the disease has progressed despite those treatments, targeted systemic therapy becomes the next step, and that's where we come in. And if you've recently been diagnosed and want a second opinion, we're glad to see you.

How we approach it

Often very treatable

Most thyroid cancers have an excellent prognosis and are managed primarily with surgery

Targeted therapy when needed

For the less common aggressive types, targeted drugs matched to the tumor's genetics can be effective

Coordinated care

We work with your surgeon and endocrinologist so hormone management and cancer treatment stay aligned

What the workup looks like

1
Where things stand

We start by reviewing your prior surgery, pathology, and any radioactive-iodine treatment to understand what's already been done.

2
Imaging and thyroglobulin

Scans and thyroglobulin blood levels show whether and where the disease is still active.

3
Targeted systemic therapy

When surgery and iodine have been exhausted, we match targeted drugs to your tumor's molecular profile.

Common questions

Is thyroid cancer serious?
Most types are highly treatable with an excellent outlook. A smaller number are more aggressive and need closer, specialized management.
Will I need chemotherapy?
Usually not. Surgery — and sometimes radioactive iodine — treats most thyroid cancers. Targeted therapy is reserved for specific, more aggressive cases.
What is radioactive iodine?
It's a treatment that thyroid cells absorb, targeting any remaining thyroid tissue or cancer cells after surgery. It's typically managed by your endocrinologist rather than our office.
Will I need to take medication afterward?
After thyroid surgery, most people take a daily thyroid hormone — to replace the gland's function and, sometimes, to help keep cancer from returning.

This page is general information, not medical advice for your specific situation. Every diagnosis — and every patient — is different. Bring your questions to your care team.