Introduction
Thyroid cancer arises from the cells of the thyroid gland.
It is generally highly treatable and often curable, especially when detected early.
Types of Thyroid Cancer
1. Papillary Thyroid Cancer:
The most common and least aggressive type.
2. Follicular Thyroid Cancer:
Includes Hurtled cell carcinoma; tends to spread to distant organs.
3. Medullary Thyroid Cancer:
Arises from C cells that produce calcitonin; may be part of genetic syndromes.
4. Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer:
Rare and highly aggressive.
Causes
Genetic Mutations: Can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
Radiation Exposure: Increased risk, particularly from childhood radiation exposure.
Family History: Genetic predisposition in some types of thyroid cancer.
Symptoms
A lump or swelling in the neck.
Hoarseness or voice changes.
Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Persistent cough not related to a cold.
Diagnosis
Ultrasound: To visualize thyroid nodules and lymph nodes.
Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: To examine cells for cancer.
Blood Tests: To measure levels of thyroid hormones and calcitonin.
Radioactive Iodine Scan: To assess thyroid function and detect metastasis.
Genetic Testing: For hereditary forms of thyroid cancer.
Treatment
Surgery: Primary treatment, often involving thyroidectomy (removal of part or all of the thyroid gland).
Radioactive Iodine Therapy: To destroy remaining thyroid tissue and treat metastasis.
Thyroid Hormone Therapy: To replace hormones and suppress TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) to prevent cancer recurrence.
External Radiation Therapy: For advanced or inoperable cancer.
Chemotherapy: Used in some cases of anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Targeted Therapy: For advanced cancer not responding to other treatments.