Thyroid Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
The thyroid, resembling a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck, is crucial for producing hormones that regulate various bodily functions. Unfortunately, like other organs, the thyroid can be impacted by cancer. In this blog, we shall take a deeper look into thyroid cancer, explore the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more.
What Is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer emerges when genetic mutations cause the thyroid cells to multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor that, if untreated, may spread to other parts of the body and cause severe damage.
How Common Is Thyroid Cancer?
Cancer affecting the thyroid is prevalent within the endocrine system. Despite constituting a minor portion of overall cancer cases, its occurrence has been increasing. Predominantly observed in women and commonly diagnosed in the age range of 40s to 50s, thyroid cancer may also manifest in children.
What Are The Types Of Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid Cancer can be categorized into various types based on the cells it originates from. The main types include:
Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Falling under a larger category, these cancers originate from follicular cells responsible for producing and storing thyroid hormones. Some common types of differentiated thyroid cancers include:
- Papillary Thyroid Cancer: The most prevalent form of thyroid cancer, this type affects predominantly individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. Fortunately, most papillary thyroid cancers are treatable, with even those spreading to the neck's lymph nodes responding well.
- Follicular Thyroid Cancer: This less common variant typically manifests in those above 50. Unlike its papillary counterpart, it rarely extends to the neck's lymph nodes. Notably, advanced cases can migrate to areas like the lungs and bones.
- Hurthle Cell Thyroid Cancer: Initially perceived as a follicular thyroid cancer subtype, Hurthle cell thyroid cancer has now been categorized separately due to its distinctive cellular behavior and treatment response. This type of cancer can invade neck structures and disseminate to other body regions.
Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
As one of the rarer types, it's more aggressive compared to other differentiated cancers. Furthermore, standard thyroid cancer treatments might not be as effective against it.
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Renowned for its rapid growth, this rare cancer is challenging to address. Appearing mainly in those above 60, its progression can lead to alarming thyroid cancer symptoms, like quick neck swelling and breathing or swallowing difficulties.
Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Originating in the thyroid's C cells, this uncommon variant is marked by elevated blood calcitonin levels, which can indicate its presence early on. Intriguingly, some cases are linked to the RET gene, inheritable within families. Such genetic ties can elevate thyroid cancer risk and even other cancer forms.
Other Rare Types
Beyond the primary classifications, the thyroid can also be affected by infrequent cancers like thyroid lymphoma (starting in the thyroid's immune cells) and thyroid sarcoma (stemming from the thyroid's connective tissue).
What Are The Symptoms Of Thyroid Cancer?
Some common symptoms and warning signs of thyroid cancer include:
- A lump in the throat
- Swelling in the neck
- Pain at the front of the neck, sometimes extending to the ears
- Difficulty swallowing
- Voice changes or hoarseness
- Persistent cough and trouble breathing
As thyroid cancer symptoms are often subtle and can be mistaken for other conditions, understanding them is extremely important for early detection. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience these warning signs, ensuring timely thyroid cancer treatment.
What Causes Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is primarily triggered when thyroid cells undergo alterations in their DNA, which provides cells their specific operating guidelines. These mutations prompt the cells to expand and multiply at an unprecedented rate while bypassing the natural lifecycle that would typically lead to the death of the cell. As these cells accrue, they shape into a tumor. If unchecked, the tumor has the potential to invade adjacent tissues and possibly metastasize to the lymph nodes in the neck.
Despite knowing how thyroid cancer develops, the exact thyroid cancer causes remain unknown. However, certain risk factors have been recognized that may help in preventing and detecting thyroid cancer at an early stage. These risk factors include:
- Age: Although people of any age can develop thyroid cancer, it is most common in people aged between 20-50 years.
- Sex: Women are more susceptible to thyroid cancer.
- Genetics: Family medical history of thyroid cancer is one of the common reasons for developing the condition.
- Low Iodine Diet: Iodine is one of the essential minerals that is needed for normal thyroid function. Lack of iodine in the body can be a risk factor which can lead to thyroid cancer.
- Obesity: Excess body fat increases the risk of obesity.
- Exposure to Radiation: Overexposure to radiation during childhood, such as through X-rays or radiation therapy.
How Is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?
After a physical examination, if your doctor suspects the presence of thyroid cancer, they may recommend some of the following tests:
- Blood Tests: A blood test is used to assess thyroid hormone levels and know if the thyroid is functioning properly.
- Biopsy: The doctor may use a fine-needle aspiration biopsy to extract cells from the thyroid and identify the presence of cancer cells. A sentinel node biopsy may also be recommended to evaluate if the cancer has reached the lymph nodes.
- Radioiodine Scan: This essential test identifies thyroid cancer and its spread. After consuming a radioactive iodine pill, the thyroid gland absorbs the iodine. The amount of radiation in the gland is then measured, with low radioactivity areas indicating potential cancer presence.
- Imaging Scans: Alongside the radioactive iodine scan, CT and PET scans help detect thyroid cancer and its spread.
How Is Thyroid Cancer Managed Or Treated?
Thyroid cancer treatment largely depends on the type and stage of the cancer along with the patient's medical history, family medical history and overall health. Some common treatment options include:
- Surgery: Often the primary choice for thyroid cancer treatment, surgery can range from removing part of the thyroid gland (lobectomy) to the entire gland (thyroidectomy). It may also involve exercising lymph nodes affected by the cancer cells.
- Radioiodine Therapy: This treatment involves swallowing a pill or liquid with a more concentrated radioactive iodine dose than what is used for diagnostic scans. It targets and eradicates the affected thyroid gland and its cancer cells. With the thyroid gland absorbing the majority of the radioiodine, this method ensures minimal radiation exposure to the rest of the body, underlining its safety.
- Radiation Therapy: Employing radiation to halt cancer cells' growth, this treatment can be external—where a device directs potent energy beams to the tumor—or internal (brachytherapy) with radioactive seeds positioned around or in the tumor.
- Chemotherapy: Although rarely required for those diagnosed with thyroid cancer, chemotherapy drugs, administered orally or intravenously, halt cancer growth by eradicating its cells.
- Hormone Therapy: It is an effective way to impede the release of hormones that could exacerbate thyroid cancer causes or risk, leading to the recurrence or spread of the disease.
What Are The Complications Of Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer, if not addressed in its early stages, can spread to vital organs like the liver, lungs or bones. However, even after undergoing treatment, there's a chance of recurrence for the next 20 years after treatment.
Additionally, post-surgery or treatment, your body may not produce thyroid hormones naturally. Thus, lifelong thyroid replacement hormone therapy may become essential to maintain body functions.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Thyroid Cancer Treatment?
The recovery time after thyroid cancer treatment varies based on several factors such as age, tumor size, stage, and treatment choice. You can discuss the recovery expectations with your healthcare provider for a better understanding.
How Can Thyroid Cancer Be Prevented?
As the precise origins of thyroid cancer remain elusive, preventing its onset poses a challenge. Nonetheless, individuals at an elevated risk can adopt proactive measures:
- Adults and children possessing inherited genes associated with medullary thyroid cancer may contemplate prophylactic thyroidectomy—a preemptive surgical intervention.
- Individuals residing in proximity to nuclear power plants can explore the option of radiation-counteractive medication as a precautionary measure.
Conclusion
Thyroid cancer is a concerning condition impacting vital body functions. Understanding symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments aid early detection and intervention. Regular screenings and awareness of family history play crucial roles in proactive care.
Your Aster DM Team
Our specialists at Aster DM provide unmatched expertise in diagnosing and treating thyroid cancer. With a patient-centric approach, we offer state-of-the-art care, personalized treatment plans, advanced screening methods, innovative treatments, and continuous support.
FAQs
References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thyroid-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20354161
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12210-thyroid-cancer
- https://www.webmd.com/cancer/what-is-thyroid-cancer
- https://www.healthline.com/health/thyroid-cancer
