Thyroid Cancer
Abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland
Overview
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that help in regulating heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland. There is an abnormal growth of cells in the inner lining of the thyroid gland leading to the formation of tumors.
Thyroid cancer may not show any symptoms in its early stage but once diagnosed, it must be treated immediately to prevent any further complications.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of thyroid cancer are:
Lump in Neck
Pain in Neck Throat
Changes in Voice
Difficulty Swallowing
Causes
Thyroid cancer can be caused due to:
- Gene Mutation
- Genetic Syndromes
- Exposure to Radiation
Diagnosis
Other than the regular physical checkup a doctor may advise one or more than of the following tests to determine the best treatment. Tests can include:
Ultrasound
MRI
CT Scan
Biopsy
Blood Tests
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment right away if any worrisome symptoms appear.
Treatment
Treatment for thyroid cancer will depend on its stage, location, and patient’s overall health. Usually, surgery is the mainstay of the treatment. Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the thyroid gland. If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it may also be removed along with the thyroid. This is later followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy to kill the remaining cancer cells.
Some patients may require hormone thyroid hormone therapy and radioactive iodine ablation therapy after the surgery to prevent cancer from recurring.
Risks, Complications & Preventions
It is not possible to eliminate the risk of developing thyroid cancer completely. It can even recur in lymph nodes after thyroid gland surgery. Regular blood tests and thyroid scans are advised to check for signs of its recurrence.