Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. While thyroid cancer is relatively rare compared to other types of cancer, it is on the rise, with over 50,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year.
Through this blog, we aim to provide a comprehensive resource for those affected by thyroid cancer, including information on diagnosis, treatment options, managing side effects, and coping with the emotional impact of the disease. We will also feature personal stories from individuals who have been impacted by thyroid cancer and highlight the latest research and developments in the field.
Whether you are newly diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a caregiver or loved one, or simply seeking more information about this condition, we hope that this blog will serve as a valuable resource and source of support.
Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Thyroid cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. However, as cancer grows, the following symptoms may develop:
- A lump or nodule in the neck that can be felt or seen.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Hoarseness or changes in the voice
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Pain in the neck or throat
- A persistent cough that is not related to a cold or other respiratory illness.
- Fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
Here is a brief overview of each step in the diagnostic process:
- Physical exam: During the physical exam, your doctor will examine your neck to check for any lumps, bumps, or swelling. They will also check your thyroid gland for any irregularities or nodules.
- Medical history: Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, any risk factors for thyroid cancer, and any family history of thyroid cancer.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to create detailed images of your thyroid gland and surrounding structures. These tests can help identify any nodules or irregularities in your thyroid gland.
- Biopsy: If your doctor identifies any nodules or irregularities during the physical exam or imaging tests, they may perform a biopsy to collect a small tissue sample for analysis. This tissue sample can be analysed under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
Thyroid Cancer Causes
The exact causes of thyroid cancer are not known, but there are several risk factors that have been identified, including:
- Gender: Thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men.
- Age: The risk of thyroid cancer increases with age.
- Radiation exposure: Exposure to high levels of radiation, especially during childhood, increases the risk of thyroid cancer.
- Family history: Having a first-degree relative with thyroid cancer increases your risk.
- Genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as those in the RET proto-oncogene or the BRAF gene, increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
- Iodine deficiency or excess: Iodine deficiency or excess can increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
- Certain medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), are at an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Thyroid Cancer Treatments
The following are some common treatment options for thyroid cancer:
- Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment for thyroid cancer. The most common procedure is a total thyroidectomy, which involves removing the entire thyroid gland. In some cases, a partial thyroidectomy may be performed to remove only the cancerous portion of the thyroid gland. In addition, lymph nodes in the neck may be removed if they are found to contain cancerous cells.
- Radioactive iodine therapy: Radioactive iodine therapy involves taking a pill or liquid containing radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by the thyroid gland and destroys any remaining cancer cells. This treatment is typically used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancerous cells.
- External beam radiation therapy: External beam radiation therapy involves using high-energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells. This treatment is typically used for more advanced thyroid cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment is typically used for more advanced thyroid cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy involves using drugs that specifically target the genetic mutations or proteins driving cancer cell growth. This treatment is typically used for more advanced thyroid cancers that are not responding to other treatments.
How can a Thyroid Cancer Specialist in Ranchi like Dr Satish Sharma cure Thyroid Cancer?
The approach to treating thyroid cancer will depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other individualized factors. Typically, a team of medical professionals, including an oncologist like Dr Satish Sharma, an endocrinologist, and a surgeon, will work together to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
The main treatment options for thyroid cancer include:
- Surgery: The most common treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery, which involves removing all or part of the thyroid gland. This may be followed by radioactive iodine therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
- Radioactive Iodine Therapy: This treatment involves the use of radioactive iodine to target and destroys thyroid cells that may have remained after surgery.
- External beam radiation therapy: This therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: This treatment uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, although it is not typically used for thyroid cancer.
- Targeted Therapy: This treatment uses drugs that specifically target the genetic mutations driving cancer cell growth.
- Hormone therapy: This treatment involves medications that help regulate the levels of hormones in the body.
Call to Action
Dr. Satish Sharma is a renowned oncologist along with a thyroid cancer doctor available in Ranchi. He offers patients with high-quality treatment and care. He has helped thousands of patients to deal with various kinds of diseases. If you are looking for the best thyroid cancer doctor, contact Dr. Satish Sharma immediately!