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The fifth most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States is thyroid cancer. It begins in the thyroid gland and can spread throughout the body. The thyroid gland lies below the thyroid cartilage in the front region of the neck. When cells in the thyroid gland alter or mutate, thyroid cancer develops. The abnormal cells multiply in the thyroid gland and eventually form a tumor. This is one of the most easily treatable cancers if detected early on.
There are different types of thyroid cancer based on tumor growth patterns. Thyroid cancer can be classified into four categories and the most common form is papillary. The four types of thyroid cancer differ in terms of their aggressiveness. Below are the four different types of thyroid cancer :
This type has a slow growth rate and is highly treatable. Although papillary thyroid carcinoma usually spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck, it is a disease that usually responds favorably to treatment.
In the United States, follicular thyroid cancer accounts for about 10% to 15% of all thyroid cancer cases. This malignancy has a higher tendency of spreading to bones and organs, such as the lungs. It has the potential to spread to the lymph nodes and blood vessels as well.
This kind is more likely to be detected at an early stage because it produces a hormone called calcitonin that doctors can detect in blood test results. Medullary thyroid cancer is caused due to genetic mutation.
This is a rare form of thyroid cancer, and it spreads quickly and aggressively throughout the body. It is observed in less than 2% of thyroid cancer patients. People over the age of 60 are the most likely to develop it.
The symptoms of thyroid cancer in women are not any different from symptoms in men. Thyroid Cancer Symptoms usually don't appear in the early stages of the disease. As the tumor grows, it may cause the following symptoms:
A lump (nodule) on your neck that can be felt through the skin
Changes in voice quality (hoarseness)
Difficulty swallowing
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Pain in the neck and throat
Thyroid cancer is usually treated with one or more types of treatments. Treatment options and recommendations depend on the type and stage of the disease, possible side effects, the preferences of the patient, and their overall health. However, cancer stages are one of the most important factors in the selection of treatments. The most recommended types of thyroid cancer treatments are mentioned below.
In surgery, a margin is created by removing the tumor as well as some healthy tissue around it. Resection is another term for thyroid cancer surgery. On the basis of the size of the thyroid nodule, there are several common surgical options:
Thyroid hormone therapy is commonly required for patients who have undergone the surgical procedure. Thyroid hormone treatment, in addition to supplying the hormone that the body requires, may also inhibit the growth of any differentiated cancer cells that remain. Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement. Levothyroxine is usually taken as a pill and should be taken on a regular basis at the same time each day to ensure a consistent supply to the body.
Almost all iodine that enters the body is absorbed by the thyroid. As a result, a type of radiation therapy known as radioactive iodine (commonly known as I-131 or RAI) is applied. It can detect and eliminate thyroid cells that have spread beyond the thyroid and have not been removed by thyroid cancer surgery. Patients of papillary and follicular thyroid cancer are treated with radioactive iodine treatment.
Chemotherapy is the use of medication to kill cancer cells by preventing them from growing, dividing, and producing new ones. A chemotherapy regimen, often known as a schedule, consists of a defined number of cycles administered over a set length of time. A patient may receive a single dose of medicine at a time or a mixture of drugs at the same time.
Targeted Therapy is a type of treatment that focuses on the genes, proteins, or tissue environment that contribute to cancer growth and survival. This method of treatment inhibits cancer cell growth and spread while limiting damage to healthy cells.
Thyroid cancer is diagnosed 2.9 times more in women than in men. It is diagnosed using a variety of tests. Not every person will be subjected to all of the tests described here. When deciding on a diagnostic approach, your doctor may take into account criteria such as your age, gender, and overall health status.
1. Physical examination
2. Blood tests
3. Ultrasound
4. Biopsy
5. Radionuclide scanning
6. CT Scan
Our patients have access to a multispecialty team of professionals at ACTC, who work together in a highly collaborative and coordinated manner to provide all elements of cancer care in one convenient location. Our doctors are supported by a clinical team with over two decades of experience and a reputation for providing tailored and supportive cancer care.
The following are our providers who you can consult at ACTC:
MD, Hematology & Oncology
MD, Ph.D., Hematology/ Medical Oncology
MD, Radiation Oncologist
Finding a care team you can trust and believe in is not just essential, but it's more important than ever in these uncertain times. The world of cancer treatment continues to evolve, with new breakthroughs and discoveries constantly altering the course of treatment. It's vital to figure out which treatment combination is best for you. It's also possible to become overwhelmed. That's why it's critical to seek out qualified and experienced cancer specialists. Our integrated, comprehensive cancer care is delivered by a team of specialists and other cancer experts, all under one roof, and includes everything from cutting-edge cancer treatments to supportive therapies that manage side effects.
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352-345-4565
Initially, signs are not visible. They will appear once the tumor starts growing.
Although thyroid cancer is associated with many inherited conditions, the exact cause for most thyroid cancers remains unclear.
There is a high cure rate for thyroid cancers.
Schedule a consultation by calling
352-345-4565
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