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The thyroid cancer survival rate is influenced by many variables, including a patient’s age, the size of the tumor and the extent to which the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Generally speaking, the most important prognostic factors for thyroid cancer are a patient’s age at the time of diagnosis and the success of the initial surgical treatment. When thyroid cancer is detected in early stages and managed appropriately, the outcome can be very good.

Of course, it’s understandable that a patient may want to learn about the overall thyroid cancer survival rate. Before seeking this information, however, it’s best to keep a few things in mind:

  • The survival rate is based on patient experiences that date back several years. In the meantime, research regarding new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat thyroid cancer has progressed, and significant advances in medical science have been – and continue to be — achieved. The bottom line is that, due to recent scientific developments, a newly diagnosed thyroid cancer patient can potentially experience a better outcome than a similar patient did several years ago.

  • A survival rate is nothing more than a benchmark, or average, that is calculated based on data relating to numerous patients, all of whom are very different. While this information can provide helpful guidance in certain situations, such as when physicians are evaluating patient outcomes, it is important to remember that no single patient can ever be considered “average.” In other words, the general thyroid cancer survival rate cannot be applied to a specific patient. Rather, it is merely a descriptor of the collective experience of all thyroid cancer patients.

  • Many individual factors can enhance thyroid cancer outcomes. In addition to early detection, prompt treatment and a good response to treatment, a patient’s overall health and wellness can also play a key role in his or her outcome.

Moffitt Cancer Center is positioned at the forefront of cancer research, and we are the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida. Not only do we employ some of the best head and neck surgeons in the country, but we also offer our patients access to the latest treatment options, a wide range of clinical trials and compassionate support every step of the way. As a result, Moffitt's treatment outcomes routinely exceed national averages.

If you have questions about the thyroid cancer survival rate, Moffitt is here to help. Just call 1-888-663-3488 or request to schedule an appointment online. No referral is needed to consult with the cancer experts at Moffitt’s Thyroid Clinic.