Thyroid cancer- in a nutshell
It is the caner formed in the thyroid gland, an organ at the base of throat which produces hormones that help control body temperature, weight, heart rate and blood pressure.
Signs and symptoms
The first symptom that is usually found in the patients of this disease is the formation of a nodule in the neck where this gland is present. Many people get small nodules formed in their thyroids; according to research, 5% of these nodules re malignant. Initially, a large lymph node is formed. Later on, there is severe pain and a change in patient’s voice. If these nodules form under the age of 20, it can be lethal but uncommon.
Common Types
Four major types are:
While doing a physical examination, if a thyroid nodule is found, the physician refers the patient to visit a thyroidologist, an endocrinologist or otolaryngologist to complete the diagnosis procedure. To confirm that a nodule is present in the neck region, an ultrasound is carried out. Besides, it also shows the position, size etc, of the nodule found in the thyroid gland. Measurement of anti-thyroid antibodies and thyroid stimulating hormone helps to know if there is occurrence of functional thyroid disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that is known to be the cause of a benign nodular goiter.
Treatment options
This cancer is treated through surgery, in some cases. The surgeries commonly performed are:
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It is the caner formed in the thyroid gland, an organ at the base of throat which produces hormones that help control body temperature, weight, heart rate and blood pressure.
Signs and symptoms
The first symptom that is usually found in the patients of this disease is the formation of a nodule in the neck where this gland is present. Many people get small nodules formed in their thyroids; according to research, 5% of these nodules re malignant. Initially, a large lymph node is formed. Later on, there is severe pain and a change in patient’s voice. If these nodules form under the age of 20, it can be lethal but uncommon.
Common Types
Four major types are:
- Papillary thyroid cancer
- Follicular thyroid cancer
- Medullary thyroid cancer
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer
While doing a physical examination, if a thyroid nodule is found, the physician refers the patient to visit a thyroidologist, an endocrinologist or otolaryngologist to complete the diagnosis procedure. To confirm that a nodule is present in the neck region, an ultrasound is carried out. Besides, it also shows the position, size etc, of the nodule found in the thyroid gland. Measurement of anti-thyroid antibodies and thyroid stimulating hormone helps to know if there is occurrence of functional thyroid disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that is known to be the cause of a benign nodular goiter.
Treatment options
This cancer is treated through surgery, in some cases. The surgeries commonly performed are:
- Tracheostomy
- Thyroidectomy
- Lobectomy
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