Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the thyroid gland, which is located at the base of the neck. This gland produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. This type of malignancy tends to be highly treatable when detected early. Continue reading to discover valuable insights about thyroid cancer, including the risk factors, symptoms and treatment options.

What is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. One of the primary functions of the thyroid gland is the production of hormones responsible for regulating metabolism, controlling body temperature, and influencing heart rate, among other vital functions. When the thyroid gland becomes overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), it can lead to a range of health issues, including weight fluctuations, fatigue, mood changes, hair loss, and irregular menstrual cycles.

Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect abnormalities such as imbalances in thyroid hormone levels or detection of thyroid nodules. If you experience symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or fluctuations in body temperature, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the thyroid gland grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. While thyroid cancer can be a serious condition, it is often treatable, especially when detected early. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors and types of thyroid cancer can help in early detection and prompt treatment.

Different Types of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer includes four main types:

Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC)
PTC is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all thyroid cancer cases. It typically grows slowly and has a high cure rate. PTC often occurs in one lobe of the thyroid and can spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Follicular Thyroid Cancer (FTC)
FTC accounts for about 10-15% of thyroid cancer cases. It originates in the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. FTC has a slightly higher risk of spreading to distant organs compared to PTC.
Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)
MTC can be hereditary or sporadic and may be associated with other endocrine disorders. It arises from the C cells of the thyroid gland, which produce the hormone calcitonin.
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC)
ATC is a rare but aggressive form of thyroid cancer, accounting for less than 2% of cases. It tends to grow rapidly and is often difficult to treat. ATC commonly affects older individuals and has a poor prognosis.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of thyroid cancer is often unknown, some risk factors have been identified. The common risk factors associated with thyroid cancer include:

Gender: Women are at a higher risk compared to men, with three out of every four thyroid cancer cases being diagnosed in women
Age: Thyroid cancer tends to occur more frequently in people between the ages of 25 and 65.
Genetics: Certain inherited gene mutations, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP or Gardner’s syndrome) and Cowden syndrome (multiple hamartomas), are also associated with the development of thyroid cancer.
Radiation Exposure: Previous exposure to radiation, especially during childhood, has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
Iodine Levels: A diet low in iodine can contribute to a higher likelihood of developing thyroid cancer.

It's important to note that having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that an individual will develop thyroid cancer. Many people with several risk factors never get the disease, while others with no known risk factors do. The complexity of cancer development means that it's often the interplay of genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices that contributes to its onset. Regular checkups and awareness of changes in one's body are key for early detection and effective treatment. Therefore, understanding risk factors should lead to proactive health practices rather than cause for undue alarm.

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancers often go unnoticed as they may not present any symptoms. However, some individuals may experience one or more of the following signs:

A lump or swelling in the neck
Changes in voice, such as hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Persistent cough unrelated to a respiratory infection
Neck or throat pain that doesn't go away

These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so you should consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What are the Treatment Options for Thyroid Cancer?

Treatments for thyroid cancer depends on various factors such as the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual considerations. Common treatment approaches include:

Surgery:
Thyroidectomy is often the primary treatment. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous cells and potentially cure the disease. A total thyroidectomy involves the removal of the entire thyroid gland. In some cases, a lobectomy may be done to remove only a portion of the thyroid gland. Lymph node dissection may also be necessary to remove any cancerous cells that have spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy:
This treatment involves the administration of radioactive iodine to destroy any remaining thyroid cancer cells and is often performed after thyroidectomy.
Thyroid Hormone Therapy:
After surgery, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is typically required to maintain proper hormone levels in the body. This involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones to replace the hormones previously produced by the thyroid gland.
External Beam Radiation:
This treatment uses high-energy X-rays or protons to target and kill cancer cells in the thyroid and surrounding areas. It may be used in cases where the cancer has spread or if surgery is not possible.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Thyroid Nodules:
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats benign thyroid nodules by inserting a needle electrode into the nodule and using radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy abnormal tissue. This technique reduces nodule size, which can relieve compression symptoms or improve cosmetic appearance as an alternative to surgical options. It is a suitable choice for symptomatic patients with benign nodules who prefer a non-surgical approach or those not fit for surgery. RFA is generally not used for cancerous nodules, where surgery is the standard treatment.

Engaging in shared decision-making with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) can help patients understand the goals of each treatment option and make informed choices about their care.

Dealing with thyroid cancer can be challenging, but you are not alone. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like additional information, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team of experts are here to assist you and provide the support you need.