Alternative Treatment for Thyroid Cancer

Alternative treatment for thyroid cancer may help ease stress or reduce side effects and symptoms of the disease. Examples of alternative treatments include acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, and vitamins. Most people combine alternative treatment for thyroid cancer with standard treatments; however, some types of alternative thyroid cancer treatment may interfere with standard treatment, and combining certain alternative treatments with standard treatment for the disease can even be harmful.

 

Alternative Treatment for Thyroid Cancer: An Overview

Some people use alternative thyroid cancer treatment to ease stress or to reduce side effects and symptoms of thyroid cancer. In most cases, people will combine alternative treatments with more standard treatments for thyroid cancer (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological therapy).
 

Types of Alternative Treatment for Thyroid Cancer

Types of alternative treatment for thyroid cancer include:
 
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Herbal products
  • Vitamins or special diets
  • Visualization
  • Meditation
  • Spiritual healing.
 
Many people say that alternative treatments for thyroid cancer are helpful. However, some types of alternative thyroid cancer treatment may interfere with standard treatment. In some cases, combining alternative thyroid cancer treatment with standard treatment may even be harmful. Also, some types of alternative treatments are expensive, and health insurance may not cover the cost.
 

Alternative Treatment for Thyroid Cancer Pain

Pain is a potential problem for people with thyroid cancer. The tumor can cause pain by pressing against nerves and other organs. Pain may also be a side effect of some treatments for the disease. In addition to standard treatments to reduce or relieve pain associated with thyroid cancer, the healthcare team may also suggest alternative treatments, which may include:
 
  • Massage therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Acupressure
  • Relaxation techniques.
 
(Alternative Treatment for Thyroid Cancer Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD