Thyroid Cancer in Australia

Australian Epidemiology

In 2010, there were 2,081 new cases of thyroid cancer in Australia (523 new cases in men and 1,558 new cases in women), accounting for 1.8 per cent of all new cancers. In 2020, an estimated over 3,500 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Recognising Thyroid Cancer

Although there are strictly no obvious indications of thyroid cancer, there are symptoms that are often associated with thyroid cancer. Try to check if you have one or more of the following:

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• A lump in the neck or throat that gets bigger over time
• Difficulty with breathing or swallowing
• A hoarse voice.

If you have a single of multiple symptoms, it is important to make an appointment at your thyroid specialist’s clinic. The development of thyroid cancer is slow and often with no obvious signs or symptoms, so it is important to consult Dr Girardi.

Thyroid Cancer is more common in women.

In Australia 5-year survival rates for thyroid cancer have increased to 95%.

Thyroid Cancer Subtypes 

There are 4 main types of thyroid cancer:

Papillary Cancer

Differentiated thyroid cancer - Micro and macro

Follicular Cancer

Differentiated thyroid cancer

Medullary Cancer

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome MEN 1 & MEN 2

Anaplastic Cancer

Aggressive thyroid cancer

Thyroid Cancer Treatment

 The whole thyroid gland, or part of the gland (hemi or subtotal) can be removed to treat nodules and tumours during surgery. Surgery that Dr Girardi offers to treat a range of thyroid problems includes; total thyroidectomy, hemithyroidectomy and minimally invasive approaches. Risks associated with these procedures are low with a complication rate of less than 1%.

What to Expect after Surgery

• 2 – 3cm scar
• Day surgery for hemithyroidectomy and minimally invasive thyroidectomy
• 1 nights in the hospital for total thyroidectomy
• 3-4 day recovery period
• Thyroxine medication after operation for total thyroidectomy patients