What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer refers to the abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland, forming masses. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the lower front part of the neck. It produces a hormone that provides energy to the body and ensures the proper functioning of various bodily systems. Early detection of thyroid cancer generally allows for effective treatment. However, there is a chance that the disease can recur even years after treatment.
What Causes Thyroid Cancer?
Experts are still not entirely sure what causes thyroid cancer. However, it has been proven that DNA changes in cells, which are also responsible for other types of cancer, lead to thyroid cancer. These DNA changes can be inherited from your family or occur with age, even without a family history. Dental X-rays do not increase this risk.
A known risk factor for thyroid cancer is past radiation therapy to the head, neck, or chest, especially during childhood.
What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?
– A lump in the neck is the most common symptom.
– Neck pain
– Difficulty swallowing
– Shortness of breath
– Hoarseness
– Persistent cough not related to a cold
Often, thyroid cancer does not cause any symptoms. It is more likely to be detected during a routine doctor’s examination when a lump or nodule is felt or found during routine tests. In other words, it is often diagnosed by chance.
How is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?
If you have a lump in your neck and your doctor suspects thyroid cancer, they will likely order tests, starting with an ultrasound. If there is suspicion, your doctor will request a needle biopsy of the thyroid gland. A needle biopsy is a simple procedure that involves taking a small sample from the suspicious tissue, which is then examined by a pathologist. A correct diagnosis is often made with a needle biopsy. In some cases, repeat biopsies may be necessary. If a diagnosis cannot be made despite repeated biopsies, surgery to remove part or all of the gland may be required, even if cancer has not been definitively proven.
How is Thyroid Cancer Treated?
The best treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery. Whether half or the entire gland is removed depends on your doctor’s decision. If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, a more extensive surgery called a “neck dissection” to clean the lymph nodes may be necessary. After surgery, Radioactive Iodine Therapy (also known as atomic therapy) may be required. The purpose of atomic therapy is to ensure cancer control in the operated area and to eliminate any cancer cells that may have spread throughout the body. In some cases, tumors that have metastasized to other parts of the body, particularly the lungs, can also be treated with atomic therapy. In summary, treatment varies based on your age, the stage of the tumor, and the type of thyroid cancer. Your doctor will consider all these factors to provide the best treatment for you.
Being diagnosed with thyroid cancer can evoke fear, anxiety, and even anger. Talking to individuals who have overcome thyroid cancer may help. You can seek assistance from your doctor in this regard. Remember, with a well-performed surgery and subsequent supportive treatments, patients can regain their health to a large extent.
Can Thyroid Cancer be Prevented?
Unfortunately, many thyroid cancers are not related to your lifestyle, and there is no definitive method for prevention. However, a rare type of thyroid cancer, known as “Medullary Thyroid Cancer,” can be genetically inherited in some families, and genetic testing can reveal if you are at risk. In such cases, preventive removal of the thyroid gland before cancer develops may be necessary. However, genetic testing is not a definitive preventive measure for other types of cancer.
