Understanding Thyroid Cancer: Signs, Symptoms and Treatments
Thyroid cancer is a common form of cancer. The disease has more than doubled worldwide since 1990 with 44,280 new diagnoses estimated in the U.S. for 2021. Thyroid cancer occurs in the cells of the thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland below your Adam’s apple in the base of your neck. The overactive cells start growing rapidly, which causes a malignant tumor that can destroy nearby tissue and spread throughout the body.
The following are the important facts about thyroid cancer.
Types
There are four types of thyroid cancer:
- Papillary carcinoma – The most common type, which accounts for 80% of all cases, is slow-growing and can spread from the follicular cells to the lobes of the thyroid gland and to the lymph nodes in the neck.
- Follicular carcinoma – The second most common, accounting for 10% of cases, usually does not spread to nearby lymph nodes but can spread to other organs like the lungs and bones.
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma – A more aggressive type that develops from C cells in the thyroid gland and is more apt to spread to lymph nodes and other organs.
- Anaplastic carcinoma – Looks the least like normal cells of the thyroid gland and is very aggressive, spreading quickly to other parts of the neck and body.
Early Signs and Symptoms
It is important to recognize typical symptoms of thyroid cancer to prevent its spread across the body. Some of these symptoms are similar to non-cancerous illnesses which can cause them to be overlooked. Common symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling in the neck, sometimes reaching up towards the ears
- Growing lump in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent coughing unrelated to a cold
Causes and Risk Factors
Like many other cancers, the cause of thyroid cancer is unknown. Genetic mutations can cause the cells in the thyroid to grow into a tumor. It is also possible for anyone at any age to develop this form of cancer. However, three risk factors are linked to the disease:
- Inherited genetic syndromes
- High levels of radiation
- Females (approximately three times that of males)
Treatment Options
The majority of thyroid cancer cases can be cured with treatment. The patient’s diagnosis is based on the size and location of the tumor and if the tumor has spread. Common treatment options include:
- Surgery – A typical option; ranges from a lobectomy, removing one side or lobe of the thyroid, to thyroidectomy, removing all or part of the thyroid.
- Radiation – Used to kill cancer through precise high-energy beams; may also be used after surgery.
- Targeted drug therapy – Blocks the signals that tell the cancer to grow.
Talk To Your Doctor
If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms of thyroid cancer, consult a physician for a diagnosis. Thyroid cancer tends to be highly treatable, but chances increase the earlier you catch it.