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Thyroid cancer - an often silent disease that enters silently and can impact the body in surprising ways. Indeed, a gland in the neck that controls energy, mood, and metabolism can be affected by thyroid cancer in a silent manner.
Are you concerned and curious to make yourself aware about this rare disease or want to know what are the symptoms of thyroid cancer, or is thyroid cancer curable, or what are the types of thyroid cancer? Well, in this blog, we will take you through all the related information about thyroid cancer. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that developed in the butterfly shaped thyroid gland at the base of the neck. It is not easy to diagnose thyroid cancer as in most of the cases, it can’t be seen or felt. As we know the thyroid controls the metabolism of the body and releases hormones that direct multiple functions. In simple terms, the thyroid gland controls the way the body uses energy.
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and metabolism. When an abnormal cell mutates in the tissues of the thyroid gland, thyroid cancer develops. These abnormal cells multiply and form a tumor or mass in the thyroid. It can be treated with extra care and special attention at early stages.
Types of thyroid cancer can be identified based on the kind of cell found in the Tumor. Although, the researchers have identified various types of thyroid cancer some most common and important ones are as under:
Papillary is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for almost 80% of cases. It is often detected in a single lobe of the thyroid gland that often spreads to lymph nodes. It is highly curable and rarely fatal.
A rarer form of thyroid cancer, constituting about 3-4% cases may be associated with genetic conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome. Most people with medullary thyroid cancer have a family history of the disease.
Follicular thyroid cancer represents almost 15% of cases and can sometimes spread to other body parts like bones and lungs. It is quite challenging to treat this type of cancer.
The least common type of thyroid cancer is anaplastic. It is the most aggressive one and not treatable easily. Accounting for 2% of cases, anaplastic thyroid cancer spreads its arms quickly to other glands as well.
The stages of cancer depends on three pieces of information as per the American Joint Committee on Cancer. Below is the detailed description of TNM method and categorisation of stages.
Stages | Description |
---|---|
Stage 0 | Precancerous cells are spotted with no movement(T0, N0, M0) |
Stage I | Small Tumor in one area (T1-T2, N0, M0). Tumor is 2 cm or smaller and limited to the thyroid. |
Stage II | Tumor starts developing and may have spread to lymph nodes (T1-T2, N1, M0). The Tumor is between 2 - 4 cm. |
Stage III | Tumor has grown deeper into surrounding tissues (T1-T4, N2-N3, M0). |
In the early stages thyroid cancer of thyroid cancer, the symptoms are not easily detectable. However, when it starts developing it may show following signs:thyroid cancer symptoms:
Cancer is generally caused by the changes in DNA inside our body. DNA is the chemical that makes up genes while genes control how cells function. Certain genes in our body help to control when the cells grow or divide new cells. If these genes don't work properly, the cells can grow out of control. And this is how cancer develops in the body.
Thyroid Cancer is caused by the development of changes in the thyroid gland that lead to the changes in DNA. These changes, also referred to as mutations, tell the cells to grow and multiply rapidly. These cells live while healthy cells would naturally die, and the accumulating cells form a mass referred to as tumor.
Various other factors that cause thyroid cancer include radiation exposure, iodine-less diet, and faulty genes. Check out several other factors that cause thyroid cancer:
Certain risk factors that are associated with higher likelihood of developing thyroid cancer include:
The two major complications of thyroid cancer include:
Thyroid cancer diagnosis is simple and includes several tests and examinations. Doctors may advise for the following examinations to confirm the size and stage of thyroid cancer to identify the ideal thyroid cancer treatment.
There are various types of thyroid cancer treatment. Some of the treatments are still under trial and while some other standard treatments are currently being used in treating thyroid cancer. Some common treatment procedures are as mentioned below:
Read More: Know How Health Insurance is Helpful for Thyroid Patients
Thyroid cancer is a silent and complex disease that enters the body without any sign or symptom. With various treatment options, early check-ups, regular care and extra attention are crucial for effective management of thyroid cancer.
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Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
The survival rate of papillary thyroid cancer is 100% when it is localised. After metastasis of cancer, the survival rate is close to 80% for up to 5 years.
Tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and unexpected weight loss are some of the early warning signs of spread of thyroid cancer.
If the cancer cells haven’t spread to distant parts of the body, the thyroid cancer is easily curable and treatable.
Thyroid cancer is generally diagnosed more in women in their 40s and 50s and men in 60s and 70s. Assigned female at birth is 3 times more likely to get thyroid cancer.
Prevention is actually not possible in the case of thyroid cancer as the reasons for the development of thyroid cancer are still unknown. However, preventive surgery and potassium iodide is suggested in several cases.
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