Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the thyroid gland, which is located at the front of your neck. This small, butterfly-shaped gland plays an important role in controlling your body’s metabolism by releasing hormones that affect things like your heart rate, energy levels, and how your body uses food. Although thyroid cancer can be serious, it is often treatable, especially when caught early. In many cases, people with thyroid cancer go on to live long and healthy lives.
Thyroid cancer is not as common as other types of cancer, but its rates have been increasing over the years. This may be due to better imaging tests that are helping doctors find small thyroid cancers that might not have been detected in the past. The good news is that most thyroid cancers grow slowly and respond well to treatment.
What Causes Thyroid Cancer And What Types Are There
The exact cause of thyroid cancer isn’t always clear, but certain things can raise your risk. In general, cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. For thyroid cancer, this happens when the cells in the thyroid gland start to change and multiply, eventually forming a lump or nodule. While many thyroid nodules are not cancerous, some are.
Risk factors for thyroid cancer include being female, being between the ages of 25 and 65, having a family history of thyroid disease or cancer, and being exposed to radiation, especially as a child. In some cases, inherited genetic mutations may also increase the risk.
There are several types of thyroid cancer, and they vary in how they behave and how they’re treated:
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Papillary Thyroid Cancer: This is the most common type and usually grows slowly. It often affects one lobe of the thyroid and has a high survival rate.
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Follicular Thyroid Cancer: This type also grows slowly but can sometimes spread to other parts of the body like the lungs or bones.
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Medullary Thyroid Cancer: This rare type can run in families and may be linked to certain genetic conditions.
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Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: This is the rarest and most aggressive form. It grows quickly and is harder to treat.
Knowing the type of thyroid cancer you have helps doctors choose the best treatment plan.
Common Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Thyroid cancer may not cause symptoms right away, especially in its early stages. Often, it’s discovered during a routine neck exam or imaging test for something else. But as the cancer grows, you may notice some changes in your neck or how you feel.
Symptoms of thyroid cancer can include:
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A lump or swelling in the neck
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Pain in the front of the neck, sometimes going up to the ears
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Hoarseness or voice changes that don’t go away
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Trouble swallowing
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A constant cough that is not related to a cold
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Difficulty breathing if the lump is pressing on the windpipe
It’s important to remember that most neck lumps are not cancer. But if you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they don’t go away after a few weeks, it’s a good idea to see a doctor for a check-up.
How Doctors Diagnose Thyroid Cancer
If your doctor suspects something unusual in your thyroid, the first step is usually a physical exam. They may feel your neck for lumps or swelling and ask about your symptoms and health history. From there, several tests can help confirm a diagnosis.
One common test is an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create a picture of the thyroid and can help show whether a lump is solid or filled with fluid. If a nodule looks suspicious, the next step is often a fine needle aspiration biopsy, where a small sample of cells is taken from the lump and sent to a lab for testing.
Blood tests may also be done to check thyroid hormone levels and other markers. In some cases, doctors use radioactive iodine scans or other imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to see if the cancer has spread. The results from these tests help determine the type of thyroid cancer, its size, and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This information is used to plan treatment.
Treatment Options And What To Expect
The treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type, size, and stage of the cancer, as well as your age and overall health. Most people will have surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. This is often the first step in treatment.
Here are the most common treatment options:
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Surgery: Removing the thyroid gland (called a thyroidectomy) is often the main treatment. Sometimes only part of the gland is removed.
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Radioactive Iodine Therapy: After surgery, some patients may take a special form of iodine to destroy any remaining thyroid cells or cancer that has spread.
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Thyroid Hormone Therapy: After the thyroid is removed, you’ll need to take thyroid hormone pills for the rest of your life. These help keep your body running normally and may also help stop cancer from coming back.
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External Radiation Therapy: This may be used if the cancer has spread or can’t be removed completely by surgery.
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Chemotherapy: This is rarely used for thyroid cancer, but may be needed for aggressive or advanced types.
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Targeted Therapy: Newer drugs are available that attack specific parts of cancer cells and are used in certain types of thyroid cancer, especially when other treatments don’t work.
Recovery from thyroid cancer is often good, especially if it’s caught early. Most people can return to normal life, though they will need to keep up with regular doctor visits and tests to watch for any signs of the cancer returning.
Life After Treatment
Living with or after thyroid cancer can be challenging, but many people find that they can return to their usual routines with some adjustments. After surgery, you’ll need to take thyroid hormone pills daily to replace what your body can no longer produce. These pills are important for maintaining energy, body temperature, weight, and mood.
You may also need regular blood tests to make sure your hormone levels are right and to check for any signs that the cancer might be coming back. Some people may feel tired or emotional during this time, which is normal. Support from family, friends, or a counselor can make a big difference.
Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and keeping up with follow-up care can help you stay strong and feel your best. It’s also helpful to talk to others who have been through thyroid cancer, whether through support groups or online communities.
Even though being diagnosed with thyroid cancer is scary, the outlook is often very positive. With early detection and the right treatment, most people can expect to live long, full lives.
