Written by Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck. It produces hormones that help regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
There are four main types of thyroid cancer:
- Papillary thyroid cancer: This is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It is usually slow-growing and has a good prognosis.
- Follicular thyroid cancer: This type of cancer accounts for about 10% of cases. It is also usually slow-growing and has a good prognosis.
- Medullary thyroid cancer: This is a less common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 5% of cases. It is more aggressive than papillary or follicular thyroid cancer.
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer: This is the rarest type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 1% of cases. It is the most aggressive type of thyroid cancer and is often fatal.
The exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, but there are certain factors that can increase your risk, including:
- Age: Thyroid cancer is more common in adults over the age of 40.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men.
- Family history: If you have a family history of thyroid cancer, you are at increased risk of developing the disease.
- Radiation exposure: Exposure to radiation, such as from a nuclear accident or from radiation therapy for other cancers, can increase your risk of thyroid cancer.
- Certain genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as familial medullary thyroid cancer, can increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer.
The symptoms of thyroid cancer can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Some common symptoms include:
- A lump in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Cough
- Pain in the neck or throat
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Changes in the voice
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for improving the chances of a cure.
The diagnosis of thyroid cancer is usually made through a combination of tests, including:
- Physical exam: The doctor will feel for a lump in the neck.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to measure the levels of thyroid hormones and other substances that can be affected by thyroid cancer.
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: A small needle is inserted into the lump to remove cells for examination under a microscope.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, can be used to see the size and location of the tumor and to determine if it has spread to other parts of the body.
The treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. The most common treatments are:
- Surgery: Surgery is used to remove the thyroid gland and any cancerous tissue.
- Radioactive iodine therapy: Radioactive iodine is used to kill cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body.
- Thyroid hormone therapy: Thyroid hormone is taken to replace the hormones that are no longer produced by the thyroid gland.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells, but it is not often used to treat thyroid cancer.
The prognosis for thyroid cancer is generally good, especially if the cancer is diagnosed early and treated promptly. The 5-year survival rate for papillary thyroid cancer is over 95%, and the 5-year survival rate for follicular thyroid cancer is over 85%. The prognosis for medullary thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer is not as good, but it has improved in recent years with newer treatment options.
There is no sure way to prevent thyroid cancer, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
- Limit your exposure to radiation.
- Get regular checkups, especially if you have a family history of thyroid cancer.
- Be aware of the symptoms of thyroid cancer and see a doctor right away if you have any concerns.