Thyroid Cancer constitutes to 2.1 percent of all cancers in the world and the worst part about it is that there is no way to prevent it. It’s occurrence is not in your control. However, like any other cancer, there are treatments for this cancer too that can slow down the effects of it.
Thyroid Cancer constitutes to 2.1 percent of all cancers in the world and the worst part about it is that there is no way to prevent it. It’s occurrence is not in your control. However, like any other cancer, there are treatments for this cancer too that can slow down the effects of it.
Here’s a low-down on Thyroid Cancer , its treatment options and the possible complications can be for your benefit.
What is thyroid gland and what is its function?
Thyroid is an endocrine gland situated in front of the lower neck, responsible for producing thyroid hormones.
What is Thyroid Cancer ?
Cancer like anywhere else in the body can originate in thyroid gland. Thyroid cancer is a cancerous tumor or growth.
What are causes and risk factors for Thyroid Cancer ?
The exact cause of Thyroid Cancer is still not known completely. Risk factors are family history of Thyroid Cancer, history of previous thyroid problems like goiter, benign adenomas, and previous radiation exposure.
What are the symptoms caused by Thyroid Cancer ?
Many patients, especially in the early stages of Thyroid Cancer, do not experience symptoms. However, as the cancer develops, symptoms can include a lump or nodule in the front of the neck, hoarseness or difficulty speaking, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and pain in the throat or neck.
How does a doctor diagnose Thyroid Cancer ?
The doctor would palpate the neck to note for swelling or nodules in the thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules are common. Most are benign and only 5% of thyroid nodules in adults are cancerous. Steps in evaluating a thyroid nodule may include physical examination, neck ultrasound, fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy and thyroid function lab tests like blood tests.
How is Thyroid Cancer treated?
After the initial testing and radiological imaging, the exact stage of cancer is identified. Treatment at American oncology Institute and Citizens Hospital are based on guidelines set by the American Thyro-id association. Thyroid Cancer treatments involves surgery which is usually the first step for treating any Thyroid Cancer . Surgery in the form of thyroidectomy (removal of Thyroid gland) is the gold standard initial treatment, done in most cases. Other options are radioactive iodine ablation (RAI), and rarely used External beam radiation and Chemotherapy.
What are the complications involved in a Thyroid Cancer treatment?
What are recent advances in the surgery of Thyroid Cancer ?
The latest advances are Nerve integrity monitoring, Harmonic Scalpel, Endoscopic Thyroidectomy (MIVAT) and Robotic Thyroidectomy.
