What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate heart rate, body temperature and metabolism.
Signs and Symptoms
- Neck lump & swelling
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent neck or throat pain
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck & weightloss
- Persistent cough
Cause and risk factors:
- Exposure to radiation, especially in the head, neck or chest during childhood, increases the risk.
- A family history of thyroid cancer or genetic conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) raises susceptibility.
- More common in women and typically occurs in people between 30 and 60 years old.
- Certain inherited mutations, such as in the RET gene, are linked to specific types of thyroid cancer.
- Having benign thyroid nodules or an enlarged thyroid (goiter) may elevate the risk of developing cancer.
Treatment options:
The treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type, stage and overall health of the patient. Most thyroid cancers are highly treatable, especially when diagnosed early. Common treatment options include:
- Surgery: Involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland (lobectomy or thyroidectomy) is the most common treatment.
- Thyroid Hormone Therapy: Replaces essential hormones after thyroid removal and suppresses TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) which can help prevent cancer recurrence.
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Less commonly used, but may be an option for aggressive or advanced thyroid cancers that do not respond to other treatments.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific mutations or proteins in cancer cells.
Our team of specialists at GEM Cancer Centre will guide you in choosing the most effective treatment plan for your individual needs.
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