Why Choose the University of Colorado Cancer Center for Thyroid Cancer Treatment
We’re the Region’s Only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of Colorado Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Rocky Mountain Region-and one of only 39 in the United States.
This designation means that we are recognized as leaders in providing outstanding cancer care and cancer-related education, and in driving new research. No other cancer center in the region offers the expertise we do.
We Specialize in Thyroid Cancer
There are more than 100 different types of cancer. To ensure that we are always leading care at the cutting edge, UCCC has expert teams that each specialize in a small number of different cancer types.
- Our team is a highly successful multidisciplinary clinical group that includes outstanding endocrinologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists
- We specialize only in the treatment of thyroid cancer
- We are supported by world experts in the microscopic classification of cancers and experts in the interpretation of X-rays, CTs, PET/CTs and other scans-UCCC pathologists
- We offer second opinions on thyroid cancer
- We have access to many new treatments, including the latest drugs and vaccines for treating thyroid cancer, through our involvement in clinical trials
We Offer the Nation’s Only Multidisciplinary High-Risk Thyroid Cancer Program
Our doctors have unparalleled expertise in treating common, uncommon and complex thyroid cancers. Our center features many state-of-the-art tests and treatments as well as experts in these areas, including:
- Sensitive serum thyroglobulin testing. Thyroglobulin is made only by thyroid cells and thyroid cancer cells
- National experts in sensitive ultrasound examination of the neck and biopsies of abnormal tissue
- Expertise in alcohol ablation (removal) of recurrent cancer for some patients who have had multiple neck surgeries
- Nuclear medicine specialists who have expertise in radioiodine treatment using dosimetry-a special technique to calculate doses of radioiodine that are most effective and safest for the patient
- The use of recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (Thyrogen®) and some treatment to give patients an alternative to thyroid hormone withdrawal for necessary tests
- highly individualized computerized treatment planning for three-dimensional radiation treatment using IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy), which delivers the highest treatment dose to tumors while sparing normal tissue
- radiation therapists who are skilled in re-irradiation if needed and are also experts in stereotactic
We Communicate Regularly about Your Case
Your medical team meets weekly so we can work together to evaluate your case, plan and deliver treatment, manage side effects and support you after your treatment is completed.
We Offer the Most Comprehensive Radiation Oncology Options
Our radiation oncologists and therapists offer state-of-the-art technology and the most comprehensive and advanced radiation options in the Rocky Mountain region for patients with thyroid cancer.
We’re Part of a Larger Collaborative Team
In addition to reviewing information from outside doctors, all our doctors can:
- Instantly access computerized records within the University of Colorado system
- Instantly see all consultations and tests conducted within the University of Colorado Hospital system
- Easily make referrals between different types of doctor within the University of Colorado Hospital system, covering all specialties from A to Z
We Offer Access to Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Some patients choose to complement their medical treatment with lifestyle changes and other benefits available through our doctor-led Center for Integrative Medicine.
We Offer Comprehensive Patient Support
You will find the support you need through the Monfort Cancer Resource Center, our membership in the Lance Armstrong Foundation LIVESTRONG Centers of Excellence Program, and the Cancer Information and Counseling Line.
We Have the Best Survival Rates in Colorado
Based on Colorado Cancer Registry data, the survival rates for patients treated within the University of Colorado Cancer Center are higher than those for the state as a whole, especially at the 5-year mark.
We’re One of the Nation’s Best Cancer Centers
U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked the University of Colorado Cancer Center’s adult patient care center at University of Colorado Hospital among the best cancer programs in the nation.
- In 2007, we ranked 35th overall and among the ten best in the West
- 5280 Magazine consistently votes our cancer doctors among the best in Colorado
- We have more cancer doctors listed among Best Doctors in America than any other cancer center in the region