Thyroid Cancer: Symptoms, Types, and Treatment Options
The thyroid is a small gland located in the front part of the neck. It is situated just below the voicebox (larynx). It is part of the endocrine system. This system makes hormones and helps control bodily functions. According to the best thyroid specialist in Hyderabad at Magna Centre, thyroid cancer can occur at any age and is more common in women. Thyroid cancer usually originates from the thyroid gland. Through this article, we will detail the symptoms, types, and treatment options for thyroid cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?
Most of the time, thyroid cancer does not show any certain signs or symptoms, but as it grows, the symptoms begin to show up. The common signs of thyroid cancer are listed below:
- There is swelling in the neck, accompanied by pain in the front that extends up to the ear.
- There are certain changes in the voice that persist for longer.
- A lump or nodule is seen in the neck
- Continuous cough, not because of cold
- Swollen lymph nodes
One must understand that the exact cause of thyroid cancer is not known. However, there are some explanations for this. These include low iodine intake, family history of thyroid cancer, obesity, radiation therapy of the neck, or thyroiditis. If one is experiencing any unusual symptoms of thyroid cancer, they can consult the best endocrinologist in Hyderabad at Magna Centre for a proper diagnosis.
What are the Different Types of Thyroid Cancer?
There are four types of thyroid cancer based on the type of cells from which the cancer grows:
- Papillary Thyroid Cancer: This is one of the most common types of thyroid cancer. This cancer develops at a gradual pace and can be effectively managed. Papillary thyroid cancer develops in the thyroid’s lymph nodes. It is most commonly found in young people.
- Follicular Thyroid Cancer: This kind of thyroid cancer develops in the thyroid’s follicular cells. It is responsible for developing and storing thyroid hormones. This type of cancer is more aggressive than papillary thyroid cancer and spreads to the lymph nodes and lungs.
- Medullary Thyroid Cancer: This particular kind of thyroid cancer begins in the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland, which are responsible for producing the hormone calcitonin. About 3–5% of thyroid cancer cases are medullary thyroid carcinoma, which is very unusual. This type of cancer has a tendency to spread to other parts of the body and is caused by a genetic mutation.
- Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: This type of thyroid cancer is extremely uncommon and progresses at a rapid pace. This accounts for around 1% to 2% of thyroid cancer cases overall. Since it spreads rapidly and disproportionately affects elderly people, it is very difficult to treat. The body's anaplastic thyroid cancer spreads to other areas. Usually, it is discovered at an advanced stage. The tumor's size and spread determine the stage of thyroid cancer.
How is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?
The sooner thyroid cancer is diagnosed, the better the treatment and prevention. In case if the thyroid doctor feels there are unusual signs of thyroid cancer, they recommend the following tests:
- Blood Tests: The thyroid doctor recommends a blood test to know how the glands are functioning.
- Radioiodine Scan: An iodine pill is swallowed, and radiation helps to determine whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
- Biopsy: This helps to understand if the thyroid cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
- Imaging Scan: Scans such as CT and PET help in detecting cancer and whether it has spread.
How is Thyroid Cancer Treated?
Treatment options for thyroid cancer include thyroid hormone replacement therapy, radioactive iodine therapy, etc. The following are the options for treating thyroid cancer:
- Surgery: When someone has thyroid cancer, the most common treatment is surgery to remove the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) and any lymph nodes close to it that may have cancer cells. The extent of the procedure varies according to the stage of the cancer. A total thyroidectomy (removal of the entire thyroid gland) is usually recommended for small and well-differentiated tumors. On the other hand, a complete thyroidectomy is recommended for large tumors.
- Radioactive Iodine Therapy: After the surgery, patients with thyroid cancer will get radioactive iodine therapy. The procedure makes use of a small amount of radioactive iodine that destroys the cells remaining in the body. The patient will be given a liquid or capsule containing radioactive iodine, which is subsequently absorbed by any cancer cells or thyroid tissue that may still be present. The radiation kills the cancer cells, but not the normal ones.
- Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy: The treatment is required for patients who have had a complete thyroidectomy in order to replenish the hormones that the thyroid gland typically generates. Usually, this entails taking a daily tablet that contains synthetic T4.
- Chemotherapy: For the majority of thyroid cancer types, this treatment is not recommended. Nevertheless, it is used to treat anaplastic thyroid cancer, the most uncommon kind of thyroid cancer.
- Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the body's immune system to help fight cancer. This is recommended for patients with advanced or recurrent thyroid cancer.
Visit the Magna Centre For Effective Treatment of Thyroid Cancer
If one has thyroid cancer and is looking for a centre that provides an effective treatment for it, one can consult the thyroid specialist in Hyderabad at Magna Centre. The expert doctors at the centre provide an effective treatment tailored to the specific needs of the patient. They recommend treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, etc.
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