Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. If it is caught early and treated, thyroid cancer can be one of the most curable forms of cancer. Although routine screenings for thyroid cancer are not common, there are ways for individuals to self-check their thyroid.
What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck which produces hormones that affect every tissue in the body. As a key part of the endocrine system, the thyroid regulates breathing, heart rate, body temperature, muscle control and even mood.
Because of its function, the thyroid is necessary for survival, and patients living without it have to take a hormone-replacement medication such as Synthroid which replaces the natural hormone needed to live.
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer develops when cells change or mutate. The abnormal cells begin multiplying in your thyroid and, once there are enough of them, they form a tumour. Researchers have identified four main types of thyroid cancer.
Women are three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men. Women tend to get thyroid cancer in their 40s and 50s, while men who get it are usually in their 60s or 70s.
If it is caught early, thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.
Causes of thyroid cancer
It is not usually clear what causes thyroid cancer, but there are a number of things that can increase your risk. These include:
• other thyroid conditions, such as an inflamed thyroid (thyroiditis) or goitre – but not an overactive thyroid or underactive thyroid
• a family history of thyroid cancer – your risk is higher if a close relative has had thyroid cancer
• radiation exposure in childhood – such as radiotherapy
• obesity
• a bowel condition called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• acromegaly – a rare condition where the body produces too much growth hormone
What are some symptoms of thyroid cancer?
In the very early stages of thyroid cancer there might be no symptoms, but the main symptom to prompt an evaluation for thyroid cancer is a lump in the neck. This is usually painless. It should be pointed out that only 1 in 20 neck lumps are cancer. Other symptoms of thyroid cancer can include:
• swollen glands in the neck
• unexplained hoarseness that does not get better after a few weeks
• a sore throat that does not get better
• difficulty swallowing
Next steps
If you discover a lump or bump in your thyroid, it is important that you find a doctor who can arrange for a full evaluation – and decide with you on further management. You might need to see a number of specialist doctors for continued care.
Treatment
If caught early thyroid cancer can be successfully treated. Thyroid cancer treatment can include surgery, radioactive iodine, external beam radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and thyroid hormone therapy. Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type of thyroid cancer you have – and how far it has spread.
Although most thyroid cancers are treatable when caught early, there is a 30% chance of it recurring, and monitoring should continue for a patient’s lifetime.
Conclusion
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland: a small gland at the base of the neck that produces hormones. It is most common in people in their 30s and those over the age of 60. Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop it than men. The most common symptom that might indicate thyroid cancer is a painless swelling in the neck. Early detection and treatment of thyroid cancer can result in excellent results, but individuals would still require life-long follow up.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-six years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5828).
