Thyroid cancer is a serious medical condition in which abnormal cells in the thyroid gland grow and multiply in number, forming a tumor. Thyroid cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, with an estimated 13,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
It is often referred to as a silent killer because it grows very slowly until it is at an advanced stage when it is almost impossible to treat.
Thyroid glands are small, butterfly-shaped organs that are in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control your metabolic rate, help you to burn calories, and regulate your body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and many other functions.
How many types of Thyroid Cancer are there?
Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer in the neck region. It can be challenging to diagnose because the symptoms can be like other health issues such as a persistent cough or a feeling of being over-warm. There are four different forms of thyroid cancer identified. The most common is called papillary thyroid cancer and is known as the ‘good’ cancer because it is often diagnosed at an early stage when it is most treatable.
Papillary thyroid cancer occurs in the thyroid gland’s papillary region, which is the part of the gland that produces hormones. In about 80 percent of the cases, papillary thyroid cancer is found. Papillary thyroid cancer typically grows in the tissues of the gland, but it can also invade (spread) into the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. Most papillary thyroid cancers are well-differentiated, meaning they have a normal histological appearance and are not associated with hormonal hyperplasia, or abnormal enlargement, of the gland. A patient’s primary care provider usually detects papillary thyroid cancer through a physical examination and a blood test.
Medullary cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the part of the thyroid gland called the medulla. The medulla produces hormones called calcitonin and parathyroid hormone. It is usually found at an early stage when it is treatable. It is a rare condition and is found in 4 percent of thyroid cancer cases. Medullary thyroid cancer is often found in people older than 50 years. It can also be found in people with a family history of thyroid disease. The most common symptoms of medullary cancer are a persistent or chronic cough, fatigue, and weight loss.
Follicular thyroid cancer is a type of thyroid cancer that occurs in the gland’s cells that produce the hormone known as T3 (Triiodothyronine). It is another type of thyroid cancer found in 10-15 percent of cases in the United States. This type of thyroid cancer is often more aggressive and spreads more quickly than papillary thyroid cancer. It can spread to the lymph nodes and further spread into the blood vessels. It is also less likely to be detected at an early stage. The most common symptom of follicular thyroid cancer is persistent neck pain or a feeling that the lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is an aggressive form of thyroid cancer with a poor prognosis. Anaplastic thyroid cancer can also spread to other parts of the body. It is most often found in people older than 50 and has a strong genetic link to mutations in the BRAF gene. This gene is found in the oncogene family, which helps regulate cell growth and is a cancer driver. The most common symptoms of ATC are pain, swelling, and a lump in the neck. ATC can also cause pain in the jaw or throat.
What are the symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?
There are many symptoms of thyroid cancer, but most people don’t have any symptoms. Some people may have symptoms that are more specific to thyroid cancer than to other cancers. There is a couple of symptoms of thyroid cancer, that include:
- A persistent coughing
- A change in voice, hoarseness
- Heaviness in the neck
- Painless, or painful lump in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
What are the causes of thyroid cancer?
According to Dr. Valeria Simone MD, an experienced board-certified general surgeon at Southlake General Surgery, Texas, there is not any specific reason for thyroid cancer. However, there are many factors that can cause thyroid cancer.
Family History or Genetic syndromes: A few conditions, including cancer, can occur due to inherited conditions such as a genetic mutation called a RET mutation. An iodine-131 radioactive scan may be used to help detect thyroid cancer, especially if the tumor is large or if there are other risk factors for thyroid cancer, such as having had radiation.
Radiation exposure: Radiation exposure causes thyroid cancer. This is most common with radiation that is absorbed by the body (such as X-rays) from medical procedures or medical devices, including diagnostic tests, such as CT scans and MRIs. People who have had radiation to the neck may also be at increased risk for thyroid cancer, especially if they also have other risk factors for thyroid cancer, such as having certain genetic conditions, having had radiation to the head before, or living in an area that has been exposed to radiation.
Deficiency of Iodine: A deficiency in iodine, which is an essential element for a healthy thyroid gland, is the most common cause of thyroid cancer. Iodine deficiency can be caused by a dietary deficiency, by not getting enough iodine from food or water, or by not getting enough iodine from the body. Iodine is found in seafood, milk, and dairy products. Seaweed and seaweed extracts are also good sources of iodine. However, it is a rare condition in the United States since iodine is added to salt and other food items.
Who can get thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer is most common in women aged 45-55 years old and in children along with young adults aged 10-19 years old. It is also more common in people with a family history of thyroid cancer.
Many people are at increased risk for thyroid cancer because they have a history of exposure to radiation, especially from medical imaging tests. Having a family history of thyroid cancer increases the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
It is estimated that 2.7% of all thyroid cancers in the United States are due to a family history of thyroid cancer.
Treatment of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is generally treatable, even if an individual is at an advanced stage. The most common treatment for thyroid cancer is thyroid surgery. Unless the cancer is small, a complete thyroidectomy is needed. The surgeon removes the entire thyroid gland along with the lymph nodes under the arm. This is called a total thyroidectomy.
Treatment of thyroid cancer includes Thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, and medication. The choice of treatment is based on many factors, including the size, location, and stage of cancer, the type of thyroid cancer, and the person’s age, health history, and personal preferences.
Appointment
For more information on Thyroid Cancer and Thyroid Surgery at Southlake General Surgery, Texas, you can contact our healthcare expert today at +1(817) 748-0200. You can also make an online appointment with us.