Thyroid cancer is a cancer disease in which abnormal cells grow in the thyroid tissue. Cancer begins in the thyroid gland when the normal cells in the gland multiply abnormally forming a mass called a tumour with capability to metastasize to other parts of the body.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland present in the front and both sides of the trachea just at the bottom of the larynx. The gland has two lobes, the right, and the left lobes, that are connected with each other by an intermediate structure, called the isthmus.
The thyroid gland is a component of the endocrine system, which is responsible for controlling hormonal levels in the body. This gland takes in iodine from the bloodstream to make thyroid hormones, manage the basal metabolic rate (BMR), calcium metabolism and induce the somatic and psychic growth in the body.
A goitre can be the abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland. The common cause of goitre is iodine deficiency.
There are two types of cells found in the thyroid gland.
A thyroid tumour can be malignant or benign. A malignant (cancerous) tumour means it can progress and metastasize to other parts of the body. A benign tumour indicates that it will grow but will not spread. Thyroid gland tumors can also be called thyroid nodules. Nearly 90% of all thyroid nodules are benign lesions.
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Get A Second OpinionThyroid cancer is divided into five types. They are:
The early stage of thyroid cancer doesn't exhibit any signs or symptoms. In its advanced stage, it may cause:
If you experience any thyroid cancer symptoms involving discomfort in your neck region, make an appointment with your doctor.
Thyroid cancer occurs when the thyroid cells bring about changes in their DNA. The cell's DNA controls the cell's activities. The DNA mutations cause the cells to grow abnormally in the thyroid tissue. The accumulation of cells together forms a mass called a thyroid tumour.
The malignant tumour can increase and metastasis can take place to the lymph nodes in the neck and also to other body parts.
The diagnosis of thyroid cancer is done by the following test-
The treatment for thyroid cancer depends upon the type, stage of the cancer and the overall health of the person.
Most thyroid cancer patients show an excellent prognosis, as most of the cases can be cured with timely treatment.
The treatment methods include:
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Book an AppointmentBy taking certain precautions and self care it is easy to prevent the development or growth of thyroid cancer. They are as follows:
At Medicover hospitals, we have the most reliable medical team of oncologists and endocrinologists who design a personalized treatment pathway for each patient. We adopt a multi-faceted approach in managing cancer of the thyroid gland with the active participation of healthcare specialists from different departments to address the disease for holistic recovery and wellness. For the treatment of thyroid cancer, we explore all the avenues as per unique patient requirements and design a personalized treatment pathway keeping the patient and the family informed at every stage of the treatment. Utilizing the latest diagnostic tools and techniques and the most advanced cancer care methodology, we ensure to offer the best possible treatment outcomes.
Thyroid cancer is a particular type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland's cells, a neck-base gland with the shape of a butterfly.It usually begins as a small lump (nodule) within the thyroid gland.
The exact cause of thyroid cancer is often unclear. However, certain risk factors such as radiation exposure, thyroid cancer in the family, and certain genetic conditions may increase the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer.
There are various varieties of thyroid cancer, such as papillary carcinoma (the most common), follicular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and anaplastic carcinoma. Each type has distinct characteristics and treatments.
A neck bulge or swelling is one of the symptoms.difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, pain in the neck or throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. However, thyroid cancer can be Early-stage cancer asymptomatic, therefore routine check-ups are important.
Diagnosis often involves a combination of physical exams, imaging tests (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI), blood tests (thyroid function tests, tumor markers), and a biopsy (fine needle aspiration) to examine the cells from the thyroid nodule for cancerous changes.
Treatment depends on the type and stage of thyroid cancer. Options may include surgery to remove the thyroid (thyroidectomy), radioactive iodine therapy, external beam radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy. Each patient's individual case informs the development of the treatment plan.
Many cases of thyroid cancer can be effectively treated, especially when detected early. The prognosis varies based on factors like the type of thyroid cancer, its stage at diagnosis, and how well it responds to treatment.
A frequent therapy is radioactive iodine. certain types of thyroid cancer. It involves swallowing a radioactive iodine pill, which is taken up by thyroid cells, including cancerous ones. The radiation helps destroy the remaining thyroid tissue after surgery.
While most cases of thyroid cancer are not hereditary, some genetic syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) and familial medullary thyroid cancer (FMTC) can increase the risk. Individuals with a family history of genetic disorders may benefit from genetic counseling. thyroid cancer.
After treatment, regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor for any recurrence or new developments. These appointments may include physical exams, blood tests, imaging scans, and discussions about ongoing care and surveillance.
