Thyroid Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
The thyroid gland is a little butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. It produces hormones that govern metabolism and other vital body activities. Thyroid cancer occurs when cells in the thyroid gland grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumor. Although it is not as common as other types of cancer, thyroid cancer is a growing concern, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer frequently develops slowly and without symptoms at first. However, as the cancer advances, the following symptoms may emerge:
Neck swelling that may be painful
Voice change/hoarseness
Dysphagia (Painful swallowing)
Neck pain
Throat pain
Cough
Fatigue
Weakness
Pain in the ears
Abnormal weight loss
If you encounter any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer
Your doctor will examine your neck physically for lumps or swelling. If they suspect cancer, they may ask you to go for an ultrasound, biopsy, or blood test. An ultrasound can help your doctor determine if there are any abnormal growths in your thyroid gland. A biopsy can confirm if a lump is cancerous or benign. A blood test can detect any changes in thyroid hormone levels.
Treatment of Thyroid Cancer
The treatment of thyroid cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer. Your doctor will determine the best treatment plan for you based on your symptoms, test results, and overall health. Treatment options may include:
Surgery: Surgical removal of the thyroid gland is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. If cancer has not spread beyond the thyroid gland, surgery alone may be sufficient to remove the cancer.
Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used in radiation treatment to kill cancer cells. It may be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells or as a primary treatment for advanced cases.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used to treat advanced cases of thyroid cancer.
Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy involves taking medication to replace or suppress thyroid hormone levels. This may be necessary if surgery removes the entire thyroid gland.
Managing Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer treatment can cause various side effects. Still, there are several ways to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life during treatment. These include
Rest and a healthy diet: Rest and proper nutrition are essential for managing the side effects of treatment and improving overall health.
Pain relief: Your doctor may prescribe pain-relieving medication to help manage any discomfort.
Physical activity: Exercise can help reduce fatigue and improve overall physical and mental health. However, you should consult your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.
Emotional support: It is crucial to get support from family and friends during your cancer journey. Counseling and support groups can also be beneficial.
Causes of Thyroid Cancer
The exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, but several factors can increase the risk of developing it. These include
Genetics: A family history of thyroid cancer increases the risk of developing the disease.
Age: Thyroid cancer is more common in people over 50 years of age.
Gender: Women are more prone than men to have thyroid cancer.
Thyroid nodules: Nodules or growths in the thyroid gland can increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency can increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Previous radiation exposure: Radiation exposure, especially.