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Thyroid cancer isn’t that common, but it can still leave some traumatic imprints in the lives of those diagnosed with it. It is considered to be one of the ‘good cancers’ because it responds well to therapy. Visit a top oncology hospital in Malleshwaram if you require treatment and care for thyroid cancer.
What Is Thyroid Cancer?
The butterfly-like gland right below the Adam's apple is known as the thyroid, which produces hormones that are responsible for regulating a person’s metabolism, temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Thyroid cancer begins at the stage when the cells in the gland forget apoptosis (programmed cell death) and proliferate uncontrollably. It then leads to the development of a solid tumour, often pointed out as a nodule (mass/lump) at the base of one’s throat.
The formation of nodules or lumps in the thyroid is pretty common, especially in middle & old age. About 50% of the population above the age of 60 years can be diagnosed with a thyroid nodule. But, more than 90% of these nodules never turn into cancer. Children and young adults rarely develop thyroid nodules. However, when they do develop the nodules, there is a high probability of it turning out to be cancerous. Thyroid cancer is more commonly diagnosed in females than in males.
Different Types of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is classified into four different types.
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Papillary Thyroid Cancer
About 80-85% of all cases of thyroid cancer are of this type. This is also one of the most curable forms of cancer.
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Follicular Thyroid Cancer
About 10-15% of all thyroid cancer cases can be diagnosed with follicular thyroid cancer. It is slightly more aggressive than papillary thyroid cancer. This type of thyroid cancer takes the help of the bloodstream to reach other body parts. A rare type of follicular thyroid cancer, called Hurthle cell cancer, is infamous for being very aggressive.
Medullary thyroid cancer: less than 3% of the total population with thyroid cancer suffers from this type of thyroid cancer.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer: This is the most dreadful type of thyroid cancer. Not only does it have a poor prognosis, but it also tends to resist chemotherapy with time. About 2% of all cases account for this type of cancer. It is the most aggressive type and invades the other body parts pretty quickly.
Causes and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is rarely present with any symptoms. However, if the patient reports a symptom, it is mostly a swollen neck which is caused by the nodules. Although one may not point it out themselves, others might. As the nodule grows, the lump can be felt as a slight bump in front of the neck. When swelling becomes very large, the nodules become large enough to cause complications like shortness of breath, hoarseness, problems while swallowing and moving the head or neck, as well as a persistent cough. Pain is rarely present in patients with thyroid cancer.
Other Risk Factors of Thyroid Cancer
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Exposure to radiation, especially during childhood, is one of the common causes that induce genetic mutations in people which can cause thyroid cancer.
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People with a family history of thyroid cancer or other thyroid problems may also be at an increased risk.
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Certain medical conditions, such as thyroiditis, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, Cowden syndrome, and familial adenomatous polyposis, can increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
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Common conditions like obesity or deficiency diseases like goitre can also cause thyroid cancer.
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People undergoing radiation treatment for other medical conditions are also at an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Diagnosis & Treatment Options for Thyroid Cancer
A fine-needle biopsy is often prescribed to confirm the presence of cancerous cells after an initial observation of thyroid glands by an oncologist. If the cells are indeed cancerous, planning for surgery will be done. Imaging techniques like CT scans or ultrasounds can help the surgeon to localize cancer and plan the surgery. Blood tests for TSH and calcitonin levels may also be required.
Surgery is usually preferred to cure small, isolated papillary, and follicular cancers. Radioactive iodine therapy and thyroid hormone replacement therapy are the treatment options commonly followed after surgery. If cancer is advanced or metastasized, radioactive iodine treatment is necessary.
Although thyroid cancer is considered one of the ‘good cancers’, proper care has to be taken for a quicker recovery. Many times people delay consulting an oncologist because they don’t develop any symptoms. Sadly, when the symptoms do manifest, it could be too late. Nevertheless, with early diagnosis, the prognosis for the patient with thyroid cancer could be greatly improved.
Consult a surgical oncologist in Malleshwaram for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer.
FAQs
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When should I see the doctor if I find a lump in my neck?
You should refer to the doctor as soon as possible for proper and early diagnosis.
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Is thyroid cancer curable?
Thyroid cancer is one of the few types of cancer which are highly responsive to the treatments. It is a curable form of cancer with a high survival rate.
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Is there any non-invasive option for treatment?
Thyroid removal by surgery is considered the best available option. Other options are inferior.
