Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells. This abnormal growth is due to uncontrolled cell division. A healthy and normal cell also grows and divides, but it all happens in a controlled manner. Usually, the old cell dies and is replaced by the new cell, but in cancer, the old cells do not die but continuously keep forming new cells. If this uncontrolled cell division occurs in the thyroid, it results in thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland present in the lower region of the neck. Since the thyroid is a gland, its function is to produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, heartbeat, temperature, and body weight.
In thyroid cancer, no symptoms appear at first. However, as it grows, it will cause swelling and pain in the neck. Thyroid cancer can be of several types, among which some of them progress slowly, and some can be aggressive. Although thyroid cancer treatment is readily available, thyroid cancer is still increasing. As per the opinion of some doctors, the increase is due to the use of new techniques that help find thyroid cancer.
Common symptoms of thyroid cancer
- If a lump appears in the neck region, which causes pain in the throat and neck.
- Voice becomes hoarse
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Lymph nodes of the neck get swollen
Causes of thyroid cancer
There are no clear causes of thyroid cancer. However, cancer occurs due to mutations in thyroid cells.
Types of thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is categorized based on the kinds of cells present in the tumor. To determine the cancer type, tissue is taken from the thyroid tumor and observed under the microscope. The treatment and prognosis of thyroid cancer depend upon its type. Types of thyroid cancers are as follows:
Papillary thyroid cancer-
It is the most common type. It affects the follicular cells of the thyroid, whose function is to form and store the thyroid hormones. It can appear at any age. In general, it may occur in 30 to 50 years.
Follicular thyroid cancer-
This type also occurs in thyroid follicular cells but affects people above the age of 50.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer-
It is a rare kind of thyroid cancer that starts in the follicular cells. It’s rapidly growing, so it is hard to treat. This type generally affects people above 60 years and even older.
Medullary thyroid cancer-
It occurs in the C cells of the thyroid. C cells form the calcitonin hormone. If your blood test shows increased levels of calcitonin, then it may be due to medullary thyroid cancer. Some genetic disorders increase the risk of this thyroid cancer, even though it is not genetic.
Other rare types-
These rare types comprise thyroid lymphoma, which starts in the immune cells of the thyroid. In addition, thyroid sarcoma occurs in the thyroid connective tissue cells.
Diagnosis
It can be diagnosed through the following methods:
- Physical examination: The doctor will observe your neck for any change in thyroid nodules. He can also ask about your radiation exposure and family history of thyroid cancer.
- Blood tests: It can depict the normal or change in the functioning of the thyroid.
- Ultrasound imaging: High-frequency sound waves are used to know the change in the structure of the thyroid. It will help in determining whether it is cancerous or noncancerous.
- Needle biopsy: Small tissues from suspicious parts are removed from your thyroid through the long and fine needle studied under a microscope.
- Other imaging tests: You are also recommended for other imaging tests like MRI, CT, and nuclear imaging to know the spread of cancer beyond the thyroid.
Thyroid cancer treatment
Thyroid cancer treatment mainly depends on the patient’s type, stage, and health. Moreover, thyroid cancer gets cured through treatment. Therefore, your doctor will recommend regular blood tests and ultrasound for surveillance. However, it is detected in a few cases, and surgery can be performed.
Surgery
Mostly the thyroid is removed, and surgery depends on the type, size, and spread of thyroid cancer.
Surgical procedures include:
- Thyroidectomy:Removal of entire or most of the part of the thyroid. If the entire thyroid is removed, then called total thyroidectomy and, in the case of the most part, is a near-total thyroidectomy.
- Thyroid lobectomy:A part or half of the thyroid is removed. It is done in slow-growing thyroid cancers.
- Lymph node dissection:Along with the thyroid, lymph nodes of the neck present can also be removed by surgery.
Risk factors
Several risk factors are associated with thyroid surgery. The parathyroid gland can be damaged by the cancer cells as it is present beside the thyroid. Parathyroid maintains calcium level in blood. Moreover, vocal cords in the neck may get damaged, leading to hoarseness, vocal cord paralysis, and breathing difficulties.
Conclusion
If you have thyroid cancer, you need not panic because it can be cured by treatment, and in a few cases where it rapidly grows needs surgery. It is advisable to consult a specialist for a comprehensive diagnosis.
