Thyroid

Thyroid

None

papillary, follicular, oncocytic thyroid cancer

Synthetic thyroid agents preferred. A slang name for the cleaned, dried, and powdered thyroid gland, previously deprived of connective tissue and fat, obtained from domesticated food animals; formerly used as a source of thyroid hormones in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Some of the synonyms listed are still used for the management of hypothyroidism though they are not FDA approved.

Code natural thyroid products as other therapy in papillary, follicular or oncocytic thyroid carcinoma. Do not code it in medullary or anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

In papillary, follicular and oncocytic carcinoma thyroid hormone products have a dual role: 1. Suppression of TSH: This would be considered cancer directed therapy since the tumor cells of the above mentioned morphologies express TSH receptor. TSH is a trophic hormone that can promote tumor growth. 2. Hormonal replacement therapy to treat post-surgical or post-radiation hypothyroidism.

C-cells in medullary carcinoma do not express TSH receptor, thus, TSH suppression would not be indicated. However, replacement therapy with thyroid hormones post surgery is given to treat the post-surgical hypothyroidism. In operable thyroid anaplastic carcinoma the goal of levothyroxine therapy is hormone replacement.

Please see remarks for additional information