Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism.

Thyroid cancers are rare and most people who have thyroid nodules do not have thyroid cancer.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

There are four main types of thyroid cancer:.

Papillary carcinoma: This is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It is usually slow-growing and responds well to treatment.
Follicular carcinoma: This type of thyroid cancer accounts for about 10% of cases. It tends to grow slowly and is usually curable with treatment.
Medullary thyroid carcinoma: This type of thyroid cancer accounts for about 4% of cases. It is usually more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body.
Anaplastic carcinoma: This is the most rare and aggressive type of thyroid cancer. It accounts for less than 2% of cases and is difficult to treat.

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer often does not cause any symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer grows, it may cause:.

A lump or swelling in the neck
Pain in the neck or throat
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Hoarseness or other voice changes
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer

There are several factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing thyroid cancer, including:.

Being female
Age over 40
Exposure to radiation, particularly in childhood
A family history of thyroid cancer or certain inherited genetic syndromes
Hormonal imbalances, such as those related to pregnancy or menopause

Prevention of Thyroid Cancer

There is no sure way to prevent thyroid cancer, but there are some things you can do to lower your risk:.

Avoid exposure to radiation whenever possible
Eat a healthy diet
Quit smoking or using other tobacco products
Get regular check-ups and report any new symptoms to your doctor

Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer

If your doctor suspects thyroid cancer, he or she will order tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:.

Blood tests to check thyroid function
An ultrasound to look at the thyroid gland and any nodules or lumps that may be present
A biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the nodule or lump and examined under a microscope

Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

The treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Treatment options may include:.

Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland
Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells
Targeted therapy, which uses drugs to target specific molecules in cancer cells

Living with Thyroid Cancer

After treatment, it is important to monitor the thyroid gland and make sure the cancer does not come back. This may involve regular blood tests and imaging scans.

In addition, some people may need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their lives to replace the hormones that the thyroid gland would normally produce.

Conclusion

Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that can often be cured with treatment. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors for thyroid cancer, and to report any new symptoms to your doctor right away.

By taking steps to lower your risk, getting regular check-ups, and following the recommended treatment plan, you can help ensure the best possible outcome.