THYROID CANCER Know the Symptoms & Solutions

A butterfly-shaped gland that is located on the front side of the neck is the thyroid. The thyroid gland mainly produces two hormones called thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The main function of the thyroid is to regulate or control an individual’s metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and BP and keeps the organs working properly.

While the gland plays an important role in our body system, the worrying thing is that the incidence of the gland getting affected by one of the deadliest disease, cancer is also on the raise. Different study conducted to understand cancer in India shows that the incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing over the past one decade. Especially more prevalent among women. The incidence rate of thyroid cancer in India among women sees a raise of 62% and among men its 48%. It is rapidly increasing in India particularly among the younger population (less than 45 years). The consoling thing is that most forms of thyroid cancer are slow growing and well treated with surgery or with some other therapies.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer

The very common sign of thyroid cancer is an asymptomatic thyroid nodule which is identified on physical exam or through radiologic scan. Not every thyroid nodule is thyroid cancer. In fact, 95% of thyroid nodules are non-cancerous. Less commonly, thyroid cancer can present as a large mass in the neck. The large mass can be located either in the region of the thyroid, representing the primary thyroid cancer or in a separate region of the neck, representing a spread of cancer to the lymph nodes.

Other symptoms of thyroid cancer can include hoarseness of the voice or symptoms associated with a tracheal or esophageal compression. This includes shortness of breath, difficult or painful swallowing, or neck pain.

Types of thyroid cancer

There are several types of thyroid cancer include:

1. Papillary—This is the most common form of thyroid cancer. This type of cancer, which tends to grow slowly, has a good prognosis. It often spreads to neck lymph nodes.
2. Follicular—This type of thyroid cancer also typically has a good overall prognosis except when significant spread to other tissues is present.
3. Medullary—This form of thyroid cancer develops from cells in the thyroid gland that are different from papillary and follicular thyroid cancers. While the prognosis with medullary cancer is not as favorable when compared with those well-differentiated types of thyroid cancers, it is also much less common (between five- and 10 percent of all thyroid cancers). While medullary thyroid carcinoma can be a component of few rare inherited syndromes, more often it occurs in patients without any family history.
4. Anaplastic—This is the least common type of thyroid cancer, but it is very aggressive, and the prognosis is poor. It presents as a rapidly enlarging neck mass.
5. Other rare types – Lymphoma of the thyroid, secondary deposits in the thyroid

Available treatment options

The primary treatment for most of the thyroid cancer is surgery. The surgery involves removing the thyroid gland and sometimes enlarged lymph nodes. Treatment options include:

Papillary—This type of cancer is treated with thyroid surgery and, in selected cases, radioactive iodine.

Follicular—This type of thyroid cancer is treated similarly to papillary carcinoma, with thyroid surgery and, in selected cases, radioactive iodine.

Medullary—Treatment for medullary thyroid cancer is primarily surgical. If the cancer is found to be inherited, then family members of the patient may need genetic screening testing.

Anaplastic—This cancer often grows very quickly and requires a medical team comprised of several specialists to determine the best treatment plan.

Is thyroid cancer preventable?

As most cases of thyroid cancer are not associated with any risk factors, there is no method to prevent the development of thyroid cancer. Careful examination of the thyroid and consideration of screening for patients at high risk could be considered. If you have a family history of thyroid cancer, be sure to notify your primary care provider. Preventive screening in families with a previous history can be helpful in early detection and treatment.

Visit your doctor to detect early for better recovery. Even after treatment, you may not worry as we have options to compensate thyroid hormones with synthetic thyroid hormones. These hormones support vital body functions. Though they don’t cause any significant side effects, you have to be on regular checkups to monitor your health.

For appointments, call Fortis Hospital, Vadapalani, Get Doctor’s Consultation with Whole Abdomen USG Screening @ Rs 299.

By Dr. Suraj Subramaniam

General Surgeon

Fortis Hospital, Vadapalani