What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is formed in the thyroid gland of the body, this is located at the lower end of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. This thyroid gland is responsible for the production of hormones which in turn help regulate the temperature of the body, the weight of the body, blood pressure and heart rate. At a later point of stage, when thyroid cancer has grown in size, it can cause pain and swelling in the neck.
What are the types of Thyroid Cancer?
- Papillary Thyroid Cancer: 80% of all thyroid cancer cases are of this kind. Even though its growth is relatively slow, it does tend to spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. However, the chance of recovery is quite high.
- Follicular thyroid cancer: This type of thyroid cancer is more susceptible to spread to lymph node and through the blood vessels.
- Medullary Cancer: This type of cancer is usually detected at an early stage because this tends to release a particular hormone called calcitonin which is detectable in a blood test.
- Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: This is the most aggressive kind of thyroid cancer and spreads quickly to various other parts.
What are the symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?
Early stages of thyroid cancer might not show case any symptoms. However, down the line once the cancer grows, certain symptoms might be visible, such as:
- A lump, swelling in the throat.
- Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck.
- Cough.
- Hoarseness of voice.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
Who is at a higher risk of Thyroid Cancer?
- Gender: Thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men.
- Radiation: High levels of radiation to head or neck area increases the chances of thyroid cancer.
- Genetics: Few genetic syndromes and family history of thyroid cancer can increase your risk.
Can thyroid cancer be prevented?
Unless there is powerful reason for person’s susceptibility to thyroid cancer, we cannot pin point out what is the cause of thyroid cancer in average or low risk population.
High risk Population: In the event that there is a family history of medullary thyroid cancer, those people must definitely have the discussion with their doctor and also plan for a prophylactic thyroidectomy, a thyroid surgery to prevent cancer.
How is Thyroid cancer diagnosed?
Set of tests and thorough physical evaluation and medical history can help detect the presence of thyroid cancer. Diagnostic tests could include:
- Ultrasound.
- FNAC/ Biopsy.
- Laryngoscopy.
- Blood hormone tests.
- Blood tests.
- CT Scan
How is thyroid cancer treated?
Based on the evaluation of the cancer and the stage of it, treatment plan could include:
- Surgery.
- Radiotherapy.
- Chemotherapy.
- Thyroid hormone therapy.
- Targeted Therapy.
- Immunotherapy.