Overview and Facts about Thyroid Cancer
The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the neck in the front. It makes two hormones: triiodothyronine and thyroxine.
These hormones regulate your temperature, control your metabolism, and help to keep your organs and muscles working properly. Thyroid cancer is common, and is a little more common in women.
Typically, this type of tumor is slow-growing and treatable. Thyroid cancer is usually diagnosed by an otolaryngology specialist, otherwise known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor.
Symptoms and Signs of Thyroid Cancer
Many people who have thyroid cancer do not notice any symptoms. However, the following signs or symptoms may be present:
- A lump in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in the voice
Tests and Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer
To diagnose thyroid cancer, your doctor will first give you a physical exam and take your medical history. They may then order one or more of the following tests:
- Blood tests: To assess the functioning of your thyroid gland
- Thyroid biopsy: To test a tissue sample for cancer cells
- Imaging tests: You may have an ultrasound PET, CT scan or MRI
Causes and Risk Factors of Thyroid Cancer
There are a number of different types of thyroid cancer, each with different causes. These include:
- Papillary thyroid cancer: This cancer is caused by changes in the DNA, particularly the RET gene
- Follicular thyroid cancer: This form of thyroid cancer is often caused by changes to the RAS gene
- Medullary thyroid cancer: This form of thyroid cancer also affects the RET gene, though in different ways
Most thyroid cancers occur sporadically however, meaning not genetically handed down.
Treatment and Care for Thyroid Cancer
The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of thyroid cancer you have. Treatment options include
- Papillary cancer: This type of thyroid cancer is typically treated with thyroid surgery, and in certain cases, it may also be treated with radioactive iodine
- Follicular cancer: This type of thyroid cancer is typically treated with thyroid surgery, and in certain cases, it may also be treated with radioactive iodine
- Medullary cancer: Medullary cancer is usually treated with thyroid surgery. Genetic testing may be needed if it is found that the cancer is inherited
- Anaplastic cancer: This type of thyroid cancer is rapid-growing and will require a specialist medical team to decide on the best treatment plan
