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The most common endocrine gland cancer is generally considered a disease of the developed world. Incidence of this disease is increasing throughout the world and the most common reason cited for this is overdiagnosis due to the availability of better diagnostic facilities like Ultrasound, CT, MRI and recently PET CT. More and more thyroid lesions are incidentally found in these studies done for other indications which otherwise may not have been detected.
Patients are mostly asymptomatic and the commonest presentation of this disease is swelling in the neck. Sometimes a patient may present with a change in voice or difficulty in swallowing and/or respiration if there is a large swelling causing compression. The younger population and female sex (approx 3-4:1) are more prone to the disease. Other risk factors include Radiation exposure (Therapeutic, diagnostic or Occupational), Family history, Obesity, Smoking Etc.
Further below in this blog, we will discuss thyroid cancer symptoms and treatment in detail.
Synopsis
Types of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a heterogeneous group because of different cells of origin in the same gland and primarily can be categorised into:
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Papillary or Mixed papillary or follicular thyroid cancer (Most common type, approx 85%)
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Follicular or Hurthle cell thyroid cancer (approx 10%)
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Medullary thyroid cancer(approx 3%)
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Anaplastic or Undifferentiated thyroid cancer (<1%)
Not only do these types differ in the cell of origin but each has a different prognosis depending upon the stage of the disease with Anaplastic carcinoma having the worst prognosis.
How to Diagnose Thyroid Cancer?
The simplest way of Diagnosis is an Ultrasound and a guided FNAC or Biopsy.
Other ways of diagnosis and differentiation can be tumour markers and specialised tests like MRI.
Differentiated thyroid cancers are iodine-avid, we generally do not prescribe a CT scan with contrast, as the contrast contains iodine and can interfere with the treatment. Once we confirm the diagnosis and stage the disease, treatment is planned. Visit us, as we are known as one of the best cancer care hospitals in Delhi for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer.
Consult our cancer specialists in Delhi if you are experiencing thyroid cancer symptoms and need treatment.
Thyroid Cancer Treatment?
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Thyroid cancers have a better prognosis as compared to other types of cancers with the possibility of cure and longevity.
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Surgical Removal of the Gland (may be hemi or Total) with or without the Lymph nodes in the neck offers the only possibility of a cure for papillary, follicular and other differentiated cancers the patient may also need post-operative Radioactive iodine therapy depending upon the stage and extent of the disease.
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No role of chemotherapy or Radiotherapy in the management of Thyroid cancers except in the palliative management of Anaplastic or Undifferentiated thyroid cancer.
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For Medullary cancers, surgery offers the only form of cure and some patients might benefit from Targeted Therapy. Surgery can be performed by open or Endoscopic method and most recently Robotic surgery is coming up in a big way for thyroid surgeries as an oncological safe method. Consult with our experienced cancer specialist in Delhi for the treatment procedures.
Tips to Prevent Thyroid Cancer
While there's no guaranteed way to prevent most cases of thyroid cancer, certain lifestyle modifications and risk-reduction strategies can potentially lower your chances of developing the disease. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Limited Radiation Exposure
Medical Imaging: Discuss with your doctor whether alternative imaging tests, like ultrasound, are appropriate when possible, to minimize exposure to radiation from X-rays, CT scans, and other procedures. Though diagnostic radiations are usually not enough to cause thyroid cancers.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity: Being overweight or obese is a potential risk factor for some types of thyroid cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can be beneficial.
Dietary Considerations
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Iodine Intake: Both iodine deficiency and excessive iodine intake have been linked to certain types of thyroid cancer. Consult your doctor about the appropriate iodine intake for you.
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Overall Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. While no specific foods have been proven to prevent thyroid cancer, a healthy diet can contribute to overall well-being.
Genetic Testing (for High-Risk Individuals):
Family History: If you have a strong family history of certain types of thyroid cancer, particularly medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), talk to your doctor about genetic testing. Early detection through genetic testing and potential preventative measures like thyroid removal may be recommended in high-risk cases.
Consult our cancer care hospital in Delhi if you need thyroid cancer treatment.
Regular Checkups and Awareness
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Doctor Visits: Schedule regular checkups with our doctor and discuss any concerns you might have about your thyroid health.
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Thyroid Self-Checks: While not a definitive diagnostic tool, some people find it helpful to perform occasional self-checks of their thyroid gland for any lumps or nodules. If you notice any changes, consult us today.
We at Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka have all the diagnostic and therapeutic facilities in the house for the management of all types of Thyroid cancers. You can book an appointment with our experts to learn more about thyroid cancer causes symptoms and treatment. We also invite you to bookmark our blog page to read the latest blogs shared by our doctors.
