The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system in your body. This butterfly-shaped gland produces thyroid hormones that regulate many important functions in the body including the heart rate, metabolism, energy, hormones, and much more. Any mutations to the thyroid cells can lead to an onset of thyroid cancer. If thyroid cancer is not detected on time, it can spread throughout the body. Let’s take a look at some information on the types of thyroid cancer as well as the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments:
1. Types of thyroid cancer
There are five main types of thyroid cancer. These are as follows:
Of these, medullary thyroid cancer has further subdivisions into sporadic, familial, MEN 2A, and MEN 2B types of medullary thyroid cancer. Follicular and papillary are more common than the other types of thyroid cancer and are slow-growing. The other thyroid cancers are rare and more aggressive.
2. Symptoms of thyroid cancer
Many types of thyroid cancers go unnoticed until they have spread in the body. Some of the initial symptoms to look out for are:
3. Causes of thyroid cancer
There is significant research to pinpoint the exact causes of thyroid cancer. However, certain factors do raise the risk. These factors include having a family history of thyroid cancer, low consumption of iodine in the diet, and certain levels of exposure to radiation. Also, studies have found that women are more susceptible than men when it comes to developing thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer can affect women of any age but it is more common in women who are in their 40s or 50s.
4. Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer
If thyroid cancer is suspected, the doctor will perform a physical examination of the thyroid gland as well as remove some of the thyroid nodule for further testing. A thorough ultrasound is performed to ensure diagnosis of the correct type of thyroid cancer.
There are different methods of treatment for the various types of thyroid cancer as required by the stage of cancer and any other medical factors that are specific to the patient. In most cases of thyroid cancer, thyroidectomy is performed. This procedure means the total or partial removal of the thyroid gland. For some patients, a part of the surrounding lymph tissue may also be removed. Some patients may need a tracheostomy.
For patients who have had their entire thyroid gland removed, there are further steps to the treatment process. This involves radioactive iodine treatment as well as administration of thyroid hormone. This thyroid hormone has to be taken in the form of a pill for the rest of the patient’s life as it is essential to overall health and well-being.
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