Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma

Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland. It is the second most common type of thyroid cancer in terms of incidence. Originating from the follicular cells in the thyroid gland responsible for hormone production, follicular thyroid carcinoma usually grows slowly. It can be successfully treated when diagnosed early. Follicular thyroid carcinoma, which is especially common in middle-aged individuals, is seen more frequently in women than in men. Generally, follicular thyroid carcinoma does not show obvious symptoms in its early stages and is incidentally discovered during the examination of a nodule in the neck. Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, serving patients in Adana, explained what follicular thyroid carcinoma is, why it occurs, its symptoms, and its diagnostic and treatment methods.

What is Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma?

The thyroid gland is located in the front part of the neck. It is an important endocrine organ because it is responsible for the production of hormones that regulate metabolism. Follicular cells in the thyroid gland are primarily responsible for producing T3 and T4 hormones.

Follicular thyroid carcinoma is a malignant tumor formation that occurs as a result of the uncontrolled proliferation of these cells.

Thyroid cancers are classified into four main categories.

• Papillary thyroid carcinoma
• Medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Follicular thyroid carcinoma
• Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

Follicular thyroid carcinoma stands out as the second most common type of thyroid cancer. While papillary cancer cases tend to spread to lymph nodes, follicular cancer cases usually spread through the bloodstream. Therefore, in some cases, metastasis to the lungs or bones may occur. However, if follicular thyroid carcinoma is detected at an early stage, the chances of successful treatment significantly increase.

What Causes Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma?

The exact cause of follicular thyroid carcinoma cases has not been medically confirmed. However, scientific studies on this subject highlight some risk factors. These are:

• Iodine Deficiency
• Genetic Factors
• Thyroid Nodules
• Radiation Exposure
• Age and Gender (The incidence of follicular thyroid carcinoma is higher in women and individuals over 40 years of age.)

What Are the Symptoms of Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma?

Follicular thyroid cancer may not show obvious symptoms in its early stages. Therefore, the disease is often incidentally discovered during routine examinations and screenings. In advanced stages of the disease, the following symptoms may be observed:

• Mass or swelling in the neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Neck pain
• Shortness of breath

How is Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Diagnosed?

Patients suspected of having follicular thyroid carcinoma are first subjected to a physical examination. The doctor examines the patient's neck area and checks for any enlargement or nodules in the thyroid gland.

Subsequently, thyroid ultrasound technology is used to examine the size, structure, and cancer risk of the nodules found in the patient. If deemed necessary, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy method is used to take cell samples from suspicious nodules. The samples taken are examined under a microscope. However, all these methods may not be sufficient to confirm the diagnosis of follicular thyroid carcinoma. In such cases, diagnosis can be made through capsule or vascular invasion. Diagnosis can also be made using blood tests for thyroid hormones and certain tumor markers.

How is Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Treated?

The approach and procedures to be applied in the treatment of follicular thyroid cancer cases are shaped according to the stage of the cancer, the patient's age, and the extent of tumor spread.

The cornerstone of treatment is surgical operation. At this point, the entire thyroid gland may be removed, or only the cancerous part of the thyroid gland may be removed. In a significant portion of cases, the removal of the entire thyroid gland is necessary.

After surgery, radioactive iodine therapy may be used to destroy any remaining thyroid cells. Especially if the tumor is large, carries a risk of spread, or if metastasis is present, radioactive iodine therapy may be necessary.

In addition, hormone medications may be given to patients after surgery. These medications are effective in compensating for hormone deficiency and suppressing TSH levels, which reduces the likelihood of cancer recurrence.

After thyroid cancer treatment, patients need regular follow-up and monitoring. During these follow-ups, the patient may undergo

• Blood tests
• Radioactive iodine scans
• And ultrasonography examinations.

Especially in cases of follicular thyroid carcinoma diagnosed early, long-term survival rates are high.

Follicular thyroid carcinoma originates from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland responsible for hormone production. Among the most common types of thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid carcinoma follows a slow course. If diagnosed at an early stage, it can be controlled with surgical operation, radioactive iodine therapy, and hormone therapy.

The presence of a palpable mass in the neck area, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness are among the symptoms of follicular thyroid carcinoma. If you observe such symptoms, it is advisable to consult an endocrinologist or a general surgeon.

Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Treatment Prices

The prices and costs of follicular thyroid carcinoma treatment are determined by the treatment procedures to be applied, the doctor's expertise and experience, the clinic's equipment, and additional services. To get up-to-date and clear information about follicular thyroid carcinoma treatment prices, you can contact Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, who serves patients in Adana.

Provinces Where We Provide Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Treatment Services

Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan provides follicular thyroid carcinoma treatment services at his clinic based in Adana to patients from surrounding provinces such as Mersin, Osmaniye, Hatay, Konya, Kayseri, and Gaziantep, as well as to patients from different parts of the world within the scope of health tourism.