Summary about Disease
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. There are several types of thyroid cancer, with papillary thyroid cancer and follicular thyroid cancer being the most common. Most thyroid cancers are curable, especially when detected early.
Symptoms
A lump (nodule) that can be felt through the skin on your neck
Changes to your voice, including increasing hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing
Pain in your neck and throat
Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
Persistent cough not due to a cold
Causes
The exact cause of thyroid cancer isn't always clear. However, thyroid cancer occurs when cells in the thyroid undergo genetic mutations. These mutations allow the cells to grow and multiply rapidly, forming a tumor. Risk factors include:
Exposure to high levels of radiation, especially in childhood
Family history of thyroid cancer or other thyroid conditions
Certain genetic syndromes
Being female
Obesity
Medicine Used
Treatment for thyroid cancer often involves a combination of approaches, and medication plays a key role. Common medications include:
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl): This is a synthetic thyroid hormone taken after thyroid removal to replace the hormones the thyroid gland used to produce. It suppresses TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Radioactive iodine (I-131): Used after surgery to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue, including cancer cells.
Targeted therapy drugs: These drugs target specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells. Examples include Sorafenib and Lenvatinib for advanced thyroid cancers that don't respond to radioactive iodine.
Chemotherapy: In rare cases, chemotherapy may be used for aggressive types of thyroid cancer.
Is Communicable
No, thyroid cancer is not communicable. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
While you cannot prevent thyroid cancer entirely, you can take steps to reduce your risk:
Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure, especially in childhood. If radiation treatment is necessary, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a risk factor for thyroid cancer.
Be aware of your family history. If you have a family history of thyroid cancer or other thyroid conditions, discuss this with your doctor.
Consider genetic counseling. If you have a strong family history of thyroid cancer, genetic counseling may be an option.
Regular check-ups: If you are at higher risk, consider regular check-ups with your doctor, including neck exams.
How long does an outbreak last?
Thyroid cancer is not an outbreak disease like an infection. It is a chronic disease process, meaning it develops over time. Treatment duration varies depending on the type and stage of cancer.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical exam: Doctor will feel your neck for lumps or swollen lymph nodes.
Blood tests: To measure thyroid hormone levels.
Ultrasound: To create images of the thyroid gland and detect nodules.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: A needle is used to extract cells from a nodule for examination under a microscope. This is the most accurate way to determine if a nodule is cancerous.
Radioiodine scan: Uses radioactive iodine to visualize the thyroid gland and identify cancerous areas.
CT scan or MRI: To determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary greatly. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, and the cancer is discovered during a routine exam. Others may notice a lump that gradually grows over months or years. Other symptoms, such as voice changes or difficulty swallowing, may develop later in the disease process.
Important Considerations
Early detection is key. The earlier thyroid cancer is diagnosed, the more treatable it is.
Most thyroid cancers are highly curable.
Treatment can have side effects. Discuss potential side effects with your doctor.
Follow-up care is essential. Regular checkups and blood tests are necessary after treatment to monitor for recurrence.
Support groups can be helpful. Connecting with other people who have thyroid cancer can provide emotional support and practical advice.
Individual cases vary. Every case of thyroid cancer is different, and treatment plans should be tailored to the individual.