Thyroid cancer is a relatively common type of cancer, with over 60,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. The good news is that thyroid cancer is very treatable, with an overall survival rate of over 98%. However, it is important to understand the different types of thyroid cancer and their risks in order to make informed decisions about your treatment.
Types of Thyroid Cancer
There are four main types of thyroid cancer:
- Papillary thyroid cancer: This is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It is typically slow-growing and easily treated.
- Follicular thyroid cancer: This is the second most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 10% of all cases. It is also slow-growing and easily treated.
- Medullary thyroid cancer: This is a rare type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 2% of all cases. It is more aggressive than papillary or follicular thyroid cancer, but it is still treatable.
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer: This is the rarest and most aggressive type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 2% of all cases. It is difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis.
Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer
The following factors can increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer:
- Age: Thyroid cancer is most common in people over the age of 45.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men.
- Family history: Having a family history of thyroid cancer increases your risk of developing the disease.
- Previous radiation exposure: Radiation exposure to the head or neck, such as from radiation therapy for other cancers, can increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer.
- Iodine deficiency: Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency can lead to the development of goiter, which is a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland. Goiter can increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
The most common symptom of thyroid cancer is a lump in the neck. Other symptoms may include:
- Pain in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Coughing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer
If you have any of the symptoms of thyroid cancer, it is important to see a doctor right away. A doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. They may also order tests such as:
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: This is a test in which a thin needle is inserted into the lump in the neck to remove a sample of cells. The cells are then examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
- Thyroid function tests: These tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood.
- Radioactive iodine uptake scan: This test uses radioactive iodine to show how well your thyroid gland is functioning. It can also be used to detect thyroid cancer.
Treatment for Thyroid Cancer
The treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and your overall health. Treatment options include:
- Surgery: This is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. During surgery, the thyroid gland is completely or partially removed.
- Radioactive iodine therapy: This type of therapy uses radioactive iodine to kill thyroid cancer cells.
- Thyroid hormone replacement therapy: After surgery or radioactive iodine therapy, you will need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the rest of your life.
Prevention of Thyroid Cancer
There is no sure way to prevent thyroid cancer. However, you can reduce your risk of developing the disease by:
- Getting regular iodine intake: You can get iodine from iodized salt, seafood, and dairy products.
- Avoiding radiation exposure: Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure, such as from CT scans and X-rays.
- Seeing a doctor right away if you have any symptoms of thyroid cancer
Conclusion
Thyroid cancer is a treatable disease, but it is important to understand the different types of thyroid cancer and their risks. If you have any concerns about thyroid cancer, please talk to your doctor about thyroid cancer treatment in Bangalore. It's important for personalized advice and to make informed decisions about your health.
