WHAT IS THYROID CANCER?


Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid is a gland located beneath the neck, and also below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid secretes hormones that regulate the heart rate, blood pressure, weight, and general body temperature.

When the cells of the thyroid gland begin to grow abnormally, it is as a result of thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer wasn’t so much popular in society, but with the new technology available, small thyroid cancers which were undetected in the past can be seen today.

The good news is, this is cancer is not as deadly as some incurable cancers, with proper treatment and surgery when needed, you can be totally treated. Even if the cancer is more advanced, it can still be treated.


Researchers have identified four main types:

Papillary thyroid cancer
This type of thyroid cancer is the most familiar case amongst people, it grows slowly and with time spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck.
Follicular thyroid cancer
This type of thyroid cancer is rare, it spreads from the lymph into the blood vessels.
Medullary cancer
This type of cancer is easily found at its early stage, this is because of the calcitonin hormone it produces, which doctors always watch for during a blood test.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer
This is the most severe and chronic form of thyroid cancer, it spreads aggressively to other parts of the body. It is the most difficult to treat.

Symptoms

There are almost no symptoms and sign of thyroid cancer at its early stage. The following symptoms surface as the thyroid cancer grows.

·         You will be able to feel a lump through the skin on your neck
·         A sudden change in your voice, and increased hoarseness
·         Difficulty swallowing
·         Pain in the neck and throat
·         Swollen lymph nodes in the neck


What Causes It?

Although there is no known underlying cause of this disease, the following can increase the risk of getting thyroid cancer.
Inherited genetic syndromes
Most of the reported case of this cancer is as a result of abnormal inherited genes.
Iodine deficiency
Insufficient supply of this chemical element can increase the risk of being infected with thyroid cancer.
Radiation exposure
Exposure of the head or neck to radiation can cause the disease.

Apollo Hospitals has the best thyroid cancer doctors in India. To find thyroid cancer doctors in your cities, visit the below links:



Comments