Thyroid cancer- symptoms,follow up

Functions of the Thyroid
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the
neck, just below the Adam’s apple. Although it is small, the thyroid
gland produces hormones that regulate every aspect of your metabolism,
from your heart rate to how quickly you burn calories.

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
Many people, especially in the early stages of thyroid cancer do not
experience symptoms. However, as the cancer develops, symptoms can
include a lump in the front of the neck, hoarseness, swollen lymph
nodes, difficulty swallowing or breathing and pain in the front of the
neck or throat. These signs are not sure signs of thyroid cancer.
Other conditions such as a benign (noncancerous) nodule, infection, or
goiter can cause a lump, swelling, thyroid enlargement, or similar
problems, all of which are treatable.

Risk factors
Although the exact cause of many cases of thyroid cancer isn’t known,
factors associated with increased risk include a family history of
thyroid cancer, gender (women having a higher incidence than men), age
(the majority of cases occur in people over the age of 40), and prior
exposure of the thyroid gland to high levels of radiation. This
includes radiation treatment for acne or other childhood diseases, as
well as radiation from nuclear fallout.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

There are several types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular,
medullary, anaplastic, and variants. Papillary and follicular cancers
develop in follicle cells and account for the great majority of all
thyroid cancers (80-90%). These tend to grow slowly and if detected
early, most can be treated successfully and result in an excellent
prognosis. Medullary cancer arises in the thyroid’s parafollicular (C
) cells, accounting for 5 – 10% of cases. It is generally more
aggressive, and is easier to treat if it is found and treated before it
spreads to other body parts. Medullary cancer is often associated with
a familial genetic predisposition. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the
least common thyroid cancer accounting for 1 –2% of cases. It usually
affects older people and is the most aggressive and difficult to treat.
A physical examination, imaging, laboratory tests, and biopsy are used
to make a definitive cancer diagnosis. Additional tests are used to
evaluate whether or not the cancer has spread, a process known as
staging.

Treatment and Follow Up
Treatments for thyroid cancer include surgery, radioactive iodine
treatment, external beam radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or a
combination of these. In most cases of thyroid cancer, surgery is the
main treatment used to remove the cancer and thyroid hormone
replacement therapy is utilized. But therapies may vary depending on
the type, size, and stage of cancer. Recurrences can occur so it
is very important for patients with thyroid cancer to undergo lifelong follow-up.


Thyroid cancer is usually successfully treated, especially when found in its early stages. Ask your Dr. for a neck check with your regular physical exams. If you experience symptoms of thyroid
cancer, promptly seek an evaluation from your Dr..One needs to have regular blood work done for TSH,Tg, as these levels need to be really supressed.Incase of rise in your TSH levels, contact your Dr. at once.

I'm only a survivor, so kindly check with your Dr. always.