What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer develops in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. Thyroid cancer might not cause any symptoms in its early stages and is often diagnosed during routine medical exams. It is among the most treatable forms of cancer when detected early.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?

Symptoms of thyroid cancer may include:

• A lump or swelling in the neck

• Pain in the neck and sometimes in the ears

• Trouble swallowing

• Trouble breathing or constant wheezing

• Hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away

• Persistent cough not related to a cold

 

Can We Prevent Thyroid Cancer?

There are no proven preventive measures for thyroid cancer. However, avoiding excessive exposure to radiation, especially in childhood, may reduce the risk. For individuals at high risk (e.g., genetic predisposition), regular check-ups may help in early detection.

 

How Do We Diagnose Thyroid Cancer?

Diagnosis of thyroid cancer usually involves:

• Physical exam of the neck

• Blood tests to measure thyroid function

• Ultrasound of the thyroid to identify nodules or suspicious areas

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy to remove a small amount of tissue from the thyroid gland for testing

• Imaging tests like CT scans, MRI, or nuclear medicine tests to assess the spread of cancer

 

What Treatment Options Are Available for Thyroid Cancer?

Treatment depends on the type and stage of thyroid cancer, and may include:

• Surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland

• Radioactive iodine treatment to destroy thyroid tissue and any cancerous cells remaining after surgery

• Thyroid hormone therapy to supply the body with normal amounts of thyroid hormones and to slow the growth of cancer cells

• External radiation therapy for cancers that do not respond to radioactive iodine

• Targeted drug therapy for advanced thyroid cancers

• Chemotherapy is rarely used but may be an option for certain types of thyroid cancer

The prognosis for most thyroid cancer patients is generally favorable, with high survival rates, especially when diagnosed at an early stage.