Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, a small gland located in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate a person’s metabolism.

When cancer develops in the thyroid gland, it can interfere with the normal thyroid function and lead to several health problems.

The symptoms of thyroid cancer are not always noticeable, which is why it is important to be aware of the risk factors, the signs, and the screening tests available.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

There are four different types of thyroid cancer:.

Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It develops in the follicular cells, which produce and store thyroid hormones. This type of thyroid cancer is usually slow-growing, and it can often be treated successfully.

Follicular Thyroid Cancer

Follicular thyroid cancer also develops in the follicular cells. This type of thyroid cancer tends to be more aggressive than papillary thyroid cancer, and it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Medullary thyroid cancer develops in the C cells, which produce the hormone calcitonin. This type of thyroid cancer may run in families, and it is often associated with an inherited genetic mutation.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the most rare and most aggressive type of thyroid cancer. It develops in the follicular cells and spreads quickly to other parts of the body.

Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer

There are several risk factors associated with thyroid cancer, including:.

Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop thyroid cancer
Age: Thyroid cancer can occur at any age, but it is most common between the ages of 30 and 60
Exposure to radiation: People who have been exposed to high levels of radiation, such as during cancer treatment or nuclear disasters, are at a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer
Familial history: Thyroid cancer can run in families, so people with a family history of thyroid cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease
Existing thyroid conditions: People with existing thyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, are at a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, some possible symptoms of thyroid cancer include:.

A lump or nodule in the neck
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Hoarseness or difficulty speaking
Difficulty swallowing
Pain in the neck or throat
Changes in the voice
Difficulty breathing
Coughing up blood

Diagnosing Thyroid Cancer

If you experience any of the symptoms of thyroid cancer, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor may perform several tests to determine if you have thyroid cancer, including:.

A physical exam of the neck
A blood test to check hormone levels
An ultrasound of the thyroid gland
A biopsy to test for cancer cells

Treatment for Thyroid Cancer

The treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Some common treatments for thyroid cancer include:.

Surgery

The goal of surgery is to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. In some cases, the surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes. Surgery is often the first line of treatment for thyroid cancer.

Radiation Therapy

High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy may be used after surgery to help eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. This type of treatment may be used for anaplastic thyroid cancer, which is often resistant to other forms of treatment.

Hormone Therapy

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be used after surgery to replace the hormones that the thyroid gland would normally produce. This type of therapy helps to regulate the body’s metabolism and prevent hypothyroidism.

Preventing Thyroid Cancer

There are no surefire ways to prevent thyroid cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk, including:.

Avoiding exposure to radiation
Getting regular check-ups
Knowing your family history of thyroid cancer
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Conclusion

Thyroid cancer is a serious health condition that can have a big impact on your quality of life. The key to managing this type of cancer is to be aware of the risk factors, the symptoms, and the screening tests available.

If you experience any of the symptoms of thyroid cancer, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.