Thyroid Cancers
Thyroid cancer is the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells found in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the neck and resembles a butterfly in shape. The most obvious symptom of thyroid cancer cases is swelling and a lump in the neck. In addition, symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, coughing, hoarseness, and shortness of breath accompany thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer, which is more common in women than in men, has an increased chance of successful treatment when diagnosed early. Radioactive iodine therapy or surgical treatment options are evaluated in cases of thyroid cancer. Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, who serves patients in Adana, explained what thyroid cancer is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods for you.
What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that results from the abnormal transformation, proliferation, and uncontrolled growth of cells located in the thyroid glands. The thyroid gland plays an important role in hormone production and the endocrine system in the human body. It resembles a butterfly in shape. It undertakes many functions, from regulating body temperature to balancing heart rate and regulating metabolic rate.
Thyroid cancer, which generally manifests itself with swellings in the thyroid gland in the neck, can also progress insidiously without showing any symptoms. In such cases, thyroid cancer can progress and metastasize, spreading to different tissues and organs. In these situations, it may show symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. There are many factors that can lead to the development of thyroid cancer. Early detection of cancer increases the chance of successful treatment. The success rate of thyroid cancer treatment is quite high.
What are the Types of Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancers are evaluated in different categories according to the progression rate of the cancer cells, the structure of the cancer cells, and the general health status of the person. If we need to list the types of thyroid cancer:
- Papillary thyroid cancer
- Follicular thyroid cancer
- Medullary thyroid cancer
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer
What are the Stages of Thyroid Cancer?
The stages of thyroid cancer are one of the most important guides in planning the treatment process of the disease. The stage is determined by the extent of the cancer's spread.
Stage One – In the first stage of thyroid cancer, the cancer has not yet spread to other tissues and organs.
Stage Two – In the second stage of thyroid cancer, the cancer may have spread to other surrounding tissues.
Stage Three – In the third stage of thyroid cancer, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and neck tissues.
Stage Four – In stage four thyroid cancers, the cancer spreads to distant organs such as bones and lungs.
What Causes Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancers originate from thyroid nodules. If there is a family history of thyroid cancer, that person is also at risk of developing thyroid cancer. In addition, exposure of the neck area to radiation, cellular mutations, and thyroid nodules can lead to thyroid cancer.
If we need to list the factors causing thyroid cancer:
- Genetic factors
- Gender, due to its higher incidence in women
- Especially intense exposure of the neck area to radiation
- Iodine deficiency
- Obesity
- Toxic goiter
- Radiotherapy applications against head and neck cancer cases
What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?
A lump and swelling in the neck is the most obvious symptom of thyroid cancer. However, thyroid cancer also causes hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, weight gain, slowing of the metabolic rate, and a feeling of fatigue. All of these are among the clinical findings of thyroid cancer. However, fine needle aspiration biopsy or thyroid ultrasound is still required for a definitive diagnosis.
If we need to list the symptoms of thyroid cancer:
- Lump and swelling in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain felt in the neck and ear
- Cough
- Rapid weight gain
- Slowing of the metabolic rate
- Loss of libido
- Hair loss
- Angry, anxious, and depressed mood
- Diarrhea
How is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?
Thyroid cancer can be diagnosed with a thyroid ultrasound examination after a comprehensive physical examination. To confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy sample is taken by fine needle aspiration and a pathological examination is performed. The data obtained from the biopsy results are evaluated by a specialist doctor, and a diagnosis can be made. The methods used in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer are as follows:
- Ultrasonography,
- Biopsy
- Blood tests
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computed Tomography (CT)
How is Thyroid Cancer Treated?
The primary treatment procedure for thyroid cancer involves surgical intervention to remove all or the affected part of the thyroid gland. In addition, radioactive iodine therapy may be applied to support the treatment. During this process, the person may need to take thyroid hormone therapy for life, both to meet the body's need for thyroid hormone and to prevent the recurrence of cancer. Radioactive iodine therapy can also be applied against thyroid cancer. Generally, the use of thyroid medication may need to be stopped a while before treatment, and the patient may need to follow a special diet.
Apart from this, chemotherapy and radiotherapy applications may rarely be required in the follow-up of thyroid cancer.
The methods used in the treatment of thyroid cancer are as follows:
- Surgical operation (surgery)
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
What is the Incidence of Thyroid Cancer in Women and Men?
Thyroid cancer occurs in an average of five percent of thyroid nodules. The incidence of thyroid cancer in women is approximately four times higher than in men.
How should thyroid cancer patients be followed up?
Patients with thyroid cancer need to be kept under constant follow-up. These follow-ups include examinations such as physical examination, ultrasonography, and blood tests. The frequency of follow-ups is determined by the physician.
Is it Possible to Protect Against Factors That Can Cause Thyroid Cancer?
Eating healthy and adopting an as physically active lifestyle as possible reduces the risk of thyroid cancer, as it does with all other types of cancer. Apart from this, specifically protecting the neck area from radiation exposure also provides protection against thyroid cancer.
Is Thyroid Cancer Fatal?
Thyroid cancer can be successfully treated according to its stage when diagnosed early. In most of these cases, recovery is achieved, and the patient can regain their health.
How Long Does Thyroid Cancer Surgery Take?
Thyroid cancer operations can vary depending on the type of cancer, the level of spread, and the surgical technique to be applied. Generally, thyroid cancer surgery can be completed within a time frame of two to three hours.
