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AHN Thyroid Cancer Program

About the Thyroid Cancer Program

Our Thyroid Cancer Program is an individualized treatment program for all patients with thyroid cancer. This team of care providers is committed to providing patients with comprehensive and compassionate care that uses the latest treatment options. The Thyroid Cancer Program is part of our AHN Cancer Institute Head and Neck Cancer Center of Excellence,  which means you are being seen by doctors who are solely dedicated to the treatment of head and neck cancers. We see you as the unique person you are, who deserves care that’s personalized to your unique case.

The Thyroid Cancer Program team includes:

  • Endocrinologists: These doctors diagnose thyroid cancer, perform fine needle aspiration biopsies, and monitor for recurrence after thyroid surgery.
  • Otolaryngologists: These doctors are trained to treat thyroid cancer with surgery. They are specialists who deal with ear, nose, and throat problems as well as head and neck cancers.
  • Nuclear medicine specialists: These experts treat thyroid cancer patients using radioactive iodine, which is a safe and effective treatment for thyroid cancer.
  • Pathologists: These experts look at tissue samples under the microscope to determine the type of thyroid cancer as well as its characteristics.
  • Radiologists: These experts review scan results such as ultrasounds, CT scans, radioactive iodine scans, and other procedures to help the care team determine treatment or monitor a patient’s response to treatment.
  • Oncologists: These doctors treat advanced thyroid cancer cases and specialize in chemotherapy, radiation, and other specific medications for thyroid cancer treatment to personalize it for a patient’s needs. 

Thyroid cancer prognosis is generally very good, particularly when diagnosed and treated early. With early intervention, the five-year survival rate for localized thyroid cancer is nearly 100%, highlighting the importance of regular checkups and prompt medical attention for any concerning symptoms. Even for more advanced stages, the survival rate remains high, with more than 90% of patients surviving for at least five years after diagnosis. However, the specific prognosis can vary depending on the type of thyroid cancer, its stage, and the patient’s overall health. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are crucial for ensuring the best possible outcome.

AHN’s Thyroid Cancer Program is committed to offering personalized care and treatment to every patient we see. This customized approach ensures each patient receives the right care, at the right time, and delivered in the right way.

Our Thyroid Cancer Program offers:

  • Personalized treatment plans: We develop individualized treatment programs for all patients with thyroid cancer, including follicular, papillary, medullary, anaplastic, and other types.
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration: Our team of specialists, including ENT/thyroid surgeons, endocrinologists, radiologists (nuclear medicine), and oncologists, collaborate closely. We hold regular meetings to discuss patient cases and develop a consensus management approach.
  • Patient-centered care: We prioritize a team-based approach that focuses on your individual needs and preferences.
  • High-volume surgeons: Our surgeons have extensive experience treating thyroid cancer, ensuring you receive the highest quality care.
  • Advanced imaging and technology: We use state-of-the-art ultrasonography, fine needle aspiration, and other imaging technologies for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Expert endocrinologists: Our endocrinologists have extensive experience in thyroid cancer management, providing comprehensive care throughout your journey.

Thyroid cancer care

The Thyroid Cancer Program brings a team of highly qualified specialists together to create a customized treatment plan for you. Your care journey may include a combination of treatments, depending on your individual needs.

Tailoring a cancer plan for you

During your initial appointment with an endocrinologist or otolaryngologist, we will review your medical history and give you a physical exam. Once we have your medical information, including from pathology or imaging, we determine your comprehensive care plan. Our team-based approach means that not only are all appropriate specialists included in your care plan, but these experts coordinate and discuss your care. This gives a comprehensive approach to treatment and monitoring throughout your cancer journey.

Thyroid cancer treatment options

We work with patients with all different types of thyroid cancer. From common thyroid cancers of Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC) and Follicular Thyroid Cancer (FTC) to the rarer Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) and Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC).

Depending on your diagnosis and needs, your treatment plan may include:

  • Thyroid surgery: Our accomplished surgeons remove the entire thyroid or a part of it.
  • Radioactive iodine: An endocrinologist (a physician who treats thyroid disorders) prescribes radioactive iodine (in liquid or capsule form) to be taken by mouth in certain patients depending on their risk of recurrence. This destroys any cancerous thyroid cells that might be left after surgery.
  • Hormone therapy: Your thyroid secretes, or releases, many hormones that the body needs. Thyroid cancer can prevent the thyroid from doing its job. Hormone therapy uses drugs to replace those hormones. The medication often slows the growth of cancer cells as well.
  • Chemotherapy: These powerful medications destroy cancer and may be used in advanced cancer. They may also cause side effects. Our team works with you to minimize the side effects as much as possible.
  • Targeted therapy: This therapy causes fewer side effects than chemotherapy. It works by attacking specific genes within the surrounding blood vessels to stop the cancer from growing. This is only used for advanced thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer specialists

To ensure personalized care for thyroid cancer patients, a team of specialists, including surgeons, otolaryngologists, endocrinologists, radiologists, and oncologists, collaborate closely. This multidisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s unique needs and the development of a tailored treatment plan. Collaboration ensures a patient is receiving care that is specific to their unique case.

Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat)

Warren Swegal, MD

Warren Swegal, MD

Otolaryngologist (ENT)
Garren Low, MD

Garren Low, MD

Otolaryngologist (ENT)
Shelly J McQuone, MD

Shelly J McQuone, MD

Otolaryngologist (ENT)
Samuel Rubin, MD, MPH

Samuel Rubin, MD, MPH

Otolaryngologist (ENT)

Endocrinology

Gayatri Jaiswal, MD

Gayatri Jaiswal, MD

Endocrinologist
Michael Grimes, MD

Michael Grimes, MD

Endocrinologist
Saira Mammen, MD

Saira Mammen, MD

Endocrinologist

Medical Oncology

Larisa Greenberg, MD

Larisa Greenberg, MD

Medical Oncologist

How to get care

If you want to be tested for or have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, we’re here to help.

Schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist or otolaryngologist by:

During your initial appointment, bring your history of prior diagnosis and details about your symptoms, such as neck swelling or pain.

Refer your patient to an AHN specialist

There are two ways for medical professionals, who are not a part of Allegheny Health Network, to refer their patients to an AHN specialist and request their first appointment. You can:

  1. Call (412) 578-HOPE (412) 578-4673 to speak with an AHN Cancer Institute scheduling coordinator.
  2. Go to Find Care to find the right AHN specialist and the most convenient location. Then refer your patient, provide relevant patient details, and request an appointment directly from the doctor's profile.

For more information about referring your patient to an AHN specialist, read the Independent Physician Referral FAQs.  

Follow your patient’s health care at AHN with EpicCare® Link™.

After referring your patient to an AHN specialist, use the EpicCare Link platform to collaborate with their AHN specialist and view your patient’s test results, treatment plan, and progress.

Log in to your EpicCare Link account now

If you are new to EpicCare Link, or need to request your own EpicCare Link account, read: EpicCare Link for Patient Follow-up, for user instructions and new account request forms.

When EpicCare Link is not an option for a patient's AHN medical records

If you can’t access your patient’s AHN test results through the EpicCare Link platform, your patient will need to complete and submit the correct AHN Medical Records Release form, based on their state of residency. Support your patient’s request by downloading the correct medical records release form for them:

EpicCare® is a registered trademark of Epic Systems Corporation and used with permission.

EpicCare® Link™ is a trademark of Epic Systems Corporation and used with permission.

Thyroid Cancer Program

Learn more about our appointment options and what to bring to your first appointment.