Overview:
- Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland.
- Not every swelling in the neck means cancer, see your doctor to check it.
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism does not increase the rate of cancer.
- Consult your doctor before using any medication, and follow up with a specialist after recovery.
- It is recommended to examine all family members if one of them developed the disease, for early detection and treatment.
Defining Cancer:
Cancer is a common term of tumors affecting nearly every part of the body, there are two types of cancer: benign tumors and malignant tumors (or what called cancerous tumors), and differentiation between them can be done through tissue examination (biopsy).
Thyroid Gland:
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck that regulates blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, weight and other vital functions.
Defining Thyroid Gland Cancer:
Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer, and it is more common in the 30s and after the age of 60, and women are 2-3 times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men.
Types of Thyroid Cancer:
- Papillary thyroid cancer (the most common form of thyroid cancer).
- Medullary thyroid cancer.
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer.
- Follicular thyroid cancer.
- Hurthle cells tumor (very rare).
Causes:
Thyroid cancer occurs when cells in your thyroid undergo genetic changes (mutations). The mutations allow the cells to grow and multiply rapidly. It's not clear what causes thyroid cancer.
Symptoms:
- A lump or swelling in the front of the neck.
- Changes to your voice, including increasing hoarseness and difficulty speaking.
- Neck pain.
- Difficulty swallowing and breathing.
Diagnosis:
- Physical exam.
- Blood tests.
- Removing a sample of thyroid tissue.
- Other tests: CT scan.
Risk Factors:
- Thyroid gland diseases such as: Goitre disease and thyroiditis.
- Family history.
- Exposure to high levels of radiation in childhood.
Treatment:
- Surgical intervention.
- Radiotherapy.
- Chemotherapy.
Consult your doctor before using any medication, and follow up with the specialist after recovery
Prevention:
Avoid exposure to radiation as much as possible.
Perform early examination if you have:
- Excessive exposure to radiation in childhood.
- Family history (examine all family members).
- Having goiter (an abnormal enlargement of your thyroid gland) or thyroiditis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Do people with hoarse voice are more likely to have thyroid cancer?
No, the hoarse voice that suddenly appears may be a symptom rather than a causative factor.
- Are thyroid cancer treatment results weak?
No, the results of thyroid cancer treatment are very good, and many people recover and live for a long time.
Misconceptions:
- Only the elderly are at the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Fact: All age groups are at the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
- A tumor in the neck means you have thyroid cancer.
Fact: The presence of a tumor or swelling in the neck may be due to other health conditions such as colds or flu, but you should visit your doctor to check for other symptoms.