Understand thyroid tumors: Explore causes like radiation exposure and genetics, different types including papillary and follicular, plus symptoms, diagnosis with biopsy, and treatment options like thyroidectomy and iodine therapy.
Finding the thyroid gland in the neck area is common. It produces the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which are essential for regulating body functions.
The thyroid gland may be exposed to tumors, leading to various health problems. Here’s a detailed look at this:
Causes of Thyroid Tumors
Thyroid tumors aren’t rare. About 50-60% of women over 50 have them. However, only 5-10% of all thyroid tumors are cancerous.
The causes of thyroid tumors can be divided into two main categories:
- Exposure to ionizing radiation for treating other conditions in the body can sometimes lead to thyroid cancer many years later.
- Family history plays a role. Genetic conditions can increase the risk of thyroid tumors.
Types of Thyroid Tumors
There are four main types of thyroid tumors:
1. Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type, making up about 80% of all thyroid cancers. It’s often diagnosed in people between 30 and 50 years old, and it’s three times more common in women than in men.
2. Follicular Thyroid Cancer
Follicular thyroid cancer accounts for about 10-15% of thyroid cancers. It’s also more common in women than in men.
3. Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Medullary thyroid cancer is rarer, making up 5-10% of all cases. It often appears in families with a history of tumors in other endocrine glands.
4. Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is rare, accounting for about 5% of all cases. It usually affects older individuals and is more common in women.
What Makes Papillary Thyroid Cancer Special?
Papillary cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer, especially in younger people. While the overall risk is relatively low, around 4% over a lifetime, it’s still something to be aware of.
The good news is that this type of cancer is often treatable, and with proper medical care, most patients can recover.
Symptoms of Papillary Thyroid Cancer
In many cases, papillary thyroid cancer is discovered by accident during a routine physical exam or when a lump is found in the neck.
This lump usually doesn’t cause pain or discomfort, but there are some subtle signs that might indicate its presence. However, these aren’t exclusive to cancer and could be due to other medical conditions. Here are some potential symptoms:
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- A hoarse voice due to pressure on the recurrent laryngeal nerve by the tumor. This symptom is very rare.
How Is Papillary Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?
Because the symptoms of thyroid tumors are similar to those of many other conditions, a thorough examination is necessary. This usually involves the following:
- Physical exam.
- Imaging tests, like ultrasound, to examine the gland and neck area.
- Biopsy. A fine needle biopsy (FNA) is performed, where a small sample of the tumor is taken and examined under a microscope to determine the type of tumor.
Treatment for Papillary and Follicular Cancer
Treatment for papillary and follicular thyroid cancer typically involves:
Complete Thyroidectomy
Surgical removal of the entire thyroid gland is performed and may include removing nearby lymph nodes if needed.
The surgery is done under general anesthesia, and you can expect to stay in the hospital for a short period.
Sometimes, complications can occur after thyroid surgery. The following are some examples:
- Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, affecting about 1% of patients and causing a permanent hoarse voice or voice changes.
- Damage to the parathyroid glands, leading to low calcium levels in about 5% of cases, which can cause temporary or permanent issues. In these cases, medication is needed to regulate calcium levels in the body.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Radioactive iodine therapy is used after thyroid removal to eliminate any remaining cancer cells or prevent the spread of cancer.
If the effect on the tumor is not as expected, a higher dose of radioactive iodine is given to destroy the remaining cancer cells.
Medication
Medication is typically required after thyroid removal to replace thyroid hormones.
Follow-Up After Treatment
After treatment, it’s important to have regular follow-up appointments that include blood tests to check thyroglobulin levels. Thyroglobulin is a hormone produced by thyroid cells, and elevated levels may indicate a recurrence of the disease. Imaging tests may also be needed.
Testimonials
I was initially very anxious about the prospect of surgery and potential long-term medication. However, the medical team was fantastic, explaining every step of the process and providing unwavering support. The treatment was successful, and I’m now living a full and active life. I am forever grateful for the excellent care and would encourage anyone facing a similar situation to stay positive and trust in their healthcare providers.
FAQ
What are the risk factors for thyroid cancer? While the exact cause isn’t always clear, risk factors include exposure to radiation, family history, and certain genetic conditions.
How can I prevent thyroid cancer? There’s no guaranteed way to prevent it, but avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk.
Is thyroid cancer curable? In many cases, yes, especially when detected early and treated properly. The prognosis varies depending on the type and stage of cancer.
