What treatment modality is recommended primarily for the majority of thyroid cancer cases?

Surgery is the primary treatment modality recommended for the majority of thyroid cancer cases due to the nature of the disease and its typical behavior. Most thyroid cancers, particularly differentiated thyroid cancers like papillary and follicular carcinoma, are often localized and can frequently be effectively managed by surgical resection. Removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) or a lobectomy is the standard approach, as this can eliminate the cancerous tissue while preserving as much normal thyroid function as possible.

Surgery provides the best chance for a cure in the majority of cases, especially when the cancer has not metastasized or when the tumor is small and well-differentiated. Post-surgical treatments, such as radioactive iodine therapy, may also be utilized in certain cases, particularly for high-risk patients or those with residual disease.

The other options like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy typically play a much more limited role in the treatment of thyroid cancer. While radiation therapy may be used in specific cases where surgery might not be feasible or when there is residual disease post-operation, it is not the primary approach. Chemotherapy is usually ineffective for most thyroid cancers, and immunotherapy has not yet established a widespread standard application for thyroid malignancies at this time. Therefore, surgery