Thyroid cancer affects the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck that controls metabolism, heart rhythm, and other vital bodily functions. This gland releases thyroid hormone, which helps regulate body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. While many thyroid tumors are curable and slow-growing, early detection and skilled care are essential for the best results. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, understanding your options is the first step towards effective treatment. Denvax uses modern immunotherapy and customized treatment options to improve prognosis and quality of life.
Papillary: It is a slow-growing cancer that accounts for up to 80% of thyroid cancer. Although papillary thyroid cancer frequently spreads to lymph nodes in the neck, it responds favorably to treatment. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is extremely treatable and rarely deadly.
Follicular: accounts for ~15% of thyroid cancer. This cancer is more likely to spread to your bones and organs, including your lungs. Metastatic cancer (cancer that spreads) may be more difficult to manage.
Medullary: Medullary carcinoma accounts for ~2% of all thyroid cancers. A percentage of those diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma had a family history of the disease. A defective gene (genetic mutation) could be to blame.
Anaplastic: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is the most difficult to treat. It grows quickly and frequently spreads to surrounding tissue and other parts of the body. Responsible for ~2% of thyroid cancer.
Here is the summary below in tabular form;
|
Type |
Prevalence |
Characteristics |
Spread & Prognosis(outlook) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Papillary |
~80% |
Slow-growing; most common type |
Often spreads to the neck lymph nodes, but is highly treatable and rarely fatal |
|
Follicular |
~15% |
Slightly more aggressive than papillary |
Can spread to lungs and bones; harder to manage if metastatic |
|
Medullary |
~2% |
May be inherited; linked to genetic mutations |
Requires genetic testing; prognosis depends on early detection |
|
Anaplastic |
~2% |
Rare, aggressive, and fast-growing |
Spreads quickly; very difficult to treat |
Some of the factors that can increase the risk of thyroid cancer are:-
Here are some of the tests for thyroid Cancer diagnosis:-
Thyroid Profile Test—A blood test that helps assess thyroid functioning.
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy- It is a biopsy technique in which tissue samples from the thyroid region are extracted for testing, or with Ultrasound(US- FNAB) that uses Ultrasound to guide the needle to the thyroid nodule with a high level of accuracy.
Radioiodine Scan—This test can detect thyroid cancer and show whether it has spread in A tablet containing a safe dose of radioactive iodine is taken and absorbed over several hours. Then the amount of radiation in the gland is measured using a special tool. Less radioactive areas require additional testing to confirm the presence of cancer.
Neck Ultrasound—identifies abnormal nodules and lumps near the neck region.
Imaging Tests—Radioactive iodine scans, computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can all detect thyroid cancer and its spread.
Molecular Testing—Analyze the genetic material by taking out the tissue from the affected region to identify the mutation or alteration that can indicate the presence of thyroid cancer
Below is the summary for thyroid cancer treatment in tabular form:
|
Treatment |
Description |
When It's Typically Used |
|---|---|---|
|
Surgery |
It involves removing part (lobectomy) or all (thyroidectomy) of the thyroid, along with affected lymph nodes. |
Used for most thyroid cancers, especially when the tumor is localized or causing compression. |
|
Radioiodine Therapy |
Involves swallowing radioactive iodine to destroy remaining thyroid tissue and cancer cells. |
Often used after surgery for papillary or follicular thyroid cancer to eliminate residual disease. |
|
Radiation Therapy |
Uses external or internal radiation to kill cancer cells and prevent growth. |
Typically used when cancer does not respond to radioiodine or recurs, especially in older patients. |
|
Chemotherapy |
Administered orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells and slow growth. |
Rarely used; may be considered for advanced or anaplastic thyroid cancer not responsive to other treatments. |
|
Hormone Therapy |
Suppresses the production of TSH, a hormone that can stimulate cancer cell growth. |
Given after thyroidectomy to prevent recurrence and replace normal hormone function. |
|
Immunotherapy |
Boosts the body's immune system to attack cancer cells with fewer side effects. |
May be used in advanced, aggressive, or treatment-resistant thyroid cancers under clinical trials. |
The majority of thyroid cancers have an excellent survival rate of up to 100% when treated locally. Even after spreading, papillary and follicular types have over 60% survival, whereas medullary decreases to 40%, and anaplastic remains at 4%.
Immunotherapy is an emerging area of cancer care that helps activate the body’s immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. It is gaining recognition as a supportive option in more complex or advanced situations.
At Denvax, we specialize in Dendritic cell-based immunotherapy, which is designed to
How is Denvax manufactured?
|
Step |
Description |
Timeline |
|---|---|---|
|
Blood Collection |
A blood sample was collected from the patient. |
Day 0 |
|
Cell Isolation & Culture |
Monocytes mature into dendritic cells |
Days 1–8 |
|
Antigen Loading & Activation |
Cells trained to detect tumor antigens |
Days 8–10 |
|
Denvax Vaccine Preparation |
Mature dendritic cells packaged |
Day 10 |
|
First Dose Administered |
The vaccine was injected into the patient |
Day 10 |
|
Booster Doses |
As per the doctor's advice |
Ongoing |
Advanced Dendritic Cell Therapy
An Advanced Immunotherapy method that employs your immune cells to target and destroy tumors while causing minimal side effects.
Expertise in Rare and Advanced Cancers
We provide specialized care for cancers that are aggressive and difficult to treat.
Personalized Care
A team of cancer specialists creates a customized plan for each patient.
Holistic Support
Comprehensive care that includes nourishment, pain relief, and emotional counseling.
Patient-Centric approach
We value your comfort, dignity, and long-term health.
Proven Results
Thousands of people have put their trust in our successful, science-driven cancer treatment.
Thyroid Cancer: Global vs India stats
|
Field |
Global (2022) |
India (2022) |
|
New cases |
821,214 new case reported ⟶ (Global Cancer Observatory, PubMed) |
1 in 285 women & 1 in 752 men have a lifetime risk; incidence rising, especially in urban areas |
|
Deaths |
47,507 (reported deaths), ~83% aged 55+; women ASMR 0.53 vs men 0.35 (/100k) |
India has a high death rate (about 5793 in 2022) and a growing burden. |
|
Age and Gender |
~65% of women under 55 Men 4.6 vs. ASIR 13.6 (/100k) female-to-male ~3:1 |
Peak around 40 years in women; female-to-male ~3–4:1 |
|
Hotspots |
ASIR ~10× higher in high-HDI countries; e.g., US women: 18.3/100k |
Highest in Kerala, Sikkim, Nagaland, Goa; Kerala registry shows sharp rise |
|
Rural vs Urban |
Urban (high-screening) → much higher incidence |
Urban India shows overdiagnosis; rural areas are less impacted |
|
5-year Survival |
Papillary: ~98% survive 5 years |
Likely similar in cities; national data lacking; urban Kerala reports high survival |
|
Key Subtypes |
Papillary (~80%), follicular, medullary |
Same subtype distribution; papillary surge seen in urban areas |
Quick Notes
Denvax Immunotherapy | Inspiring Patient Stories by Dr. Jamal & Dr. Sharmin
Real patients and Denvax’s founders share how dendritic cell immunotherapy offered renewed hope, even in complex cancer cases.
Denvax Cancer Treatment | Real Patient Experience
A detailed patient journey, from diagnosis to recovery, highlighting the emotional and physical transformation during Denvax treatment.
Denvax Cancer Immunotherapy | Success Story with Dr. Jamal Khan
Patients speak about improved outcomes, minimal side effects, and personalized care central to the Denvax approach.
Even though some thyroid cancers, particularly those brought on by genetic factors, cannot be prevented, there are a few things you may do to lower your risk.
Healthy Lifestyle Decisions
Thyroid cancer risk can be decreased by eating a well-balanced, antioxidant-rich diet, exercising frequently, and quitting smoking.
Family history.
If your family history includes thyroid cancer or genetic disorders such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN), you should seek genetic counseling and early screening.
Get regular thyroid checkups.
Routine physical exams and thyroid function testing can help discover anomalies early, especially if you are in a high-risk category.
Maintain a healthy iodine intake.
Iodine is required for thyroid function; consume iodized salt and maintain a healthy diet.
Keep an eye on thyroid nodules.
Make sure you have regular ultrasound and biopsy evaluations for any thyroid nodules you may have, particularly if they grow or change in nature.
Prevent Exposure to Carcinogens
Minimize exposure to environmental pollutants or specific compounds that could interfere with endocrine function.
Review iodine needs
If you live in a region where iodine deficiency is common, talk to your doctor about iodine supplements. Low iodine levels can raise the risk of thyroid problems, including cancer.
A painless lump or swelling in the neck is frequently the first visible symptom.
Yes, especially in the early stages. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers have high cure rates.
Yes. Depending on the surgery and location of the tumor, there may be temporary or rarely permanent voice changes. Working with experienced surgeons minimizes this risk.
Neck ultrasound, fine needle aspiration biopsy, and blood tests are used to determine the diagnosis.
Yes, if left untreated, it can extend to lymph nodes, lungs, or bones, particularly in the later stages.
Denvax’s advanced dendritic cell therapy can strengthen the immune system's ability to target and destroy cancer cells, especially in recurrent or advanced cases, while minimizing side effects.
If the entire thyroid gland is removed, you will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal metabolism and hormone levels.
