Thyroid cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the thyroid gland. Thyroid cancer can often go unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ that sits in your neck, near the base of your throat. Despite its small size, the thyroid is critical. Its primary function is to produce hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are essential for controlling metabolism. These hormones influence how your body uses energy, regulates temperature and manages other vital processes. They also play a role in maintaining heart rate, muscle strength and overall organ function.
Issues with the thyroid can lead to various health problems, including hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Thyroid disorders can affect a person’s energy levels, weight, mood and overall wellbeing.
What is thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the thyroid gland start to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. There are several types of thyroid cancer, with the most common being papillary thyroid cancer, followed by follicular thyroid cancer. Other, rarer types include medullary thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
The type of cancer diagnosis can influence how serious the illness is and what kind of treatment is offered.
The first symptoms
Thyroid cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. One of the most common early signs is the presence of a painless lump or nodule in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple (in men) or the thyroid cartilage (in women). You might notice this lump while bathing or grooming.
A doctor may also identify it during a physical examination or incidentally through X-ray or CT scans performed for other medical concerns. It’s worth noting that the majority of these nodules are benign (noncancerous) and typically require minimal or no treatment.
As thyroid cancer gets more advanced, you might notice symptoms such as:
- a lump or swelling in your neck that’s especially fast-growing
- pain at the front of your neck or moving up to your ears
- constant cough or hoarseness, with no obvious cause
- trouble breathing or swallowing.
It’s important to remember that these symptoms are not exclusive to thyroid cancer, they can present with various other conditions. If you notice any of these signs or have concerns about your thyroid health, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection and treatment are key to managing thyroid cancer effectively.
Diagnosis of thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical evaluations, including:
Physical examination: a healthcare provider may begin by conducting a physical examination of the neck. They will check for any lumps, nodules, or abnormalities in the thyroid gland or nearby lymph nodes.
Medical history: then a doctor will ask about your medical history, including any family history of thyroid cancer or exposure to radiation, as these factors can increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
Blood tests: blood tests measure thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, and T4) and thyroid antibodies. While these tests are not diagnostic for thyroid cancer, they help assess thyroid function and may provide additional information.
Imaging studies: a doctor might take images of your thyroid with an MRI, CT scan or ultrasound. These images can help determine the size, location and characteristics of the nodule. Suspicious nodules may need further evaluation.
Biopsy: a fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be performed. During this procedure, a specialist uses a thin needle to collect a tissue sample from the nodule for examination under a microscope. This biopsy can confirm whether the nodule is cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). If enlarged lymph nodes are present in the neck, a lymph node biopsy can check for the presence of cancer cells.
Causes of thyroid cancer
Scientists don’t know exactly what causes thyroid cancer, but there are certain things that appear to make people more likely to get it, such as:
- having radiation therapy around the head or neck as a child
- eating a diet low in iodine
- being aged 25 to 65
- being female
- previously having a goitre
- having family or personal history of thyroid disease or thyroid cancer.
Treatment of thyroid cancer
Surgery is the first line of defence for thyroid cancer. A surgeon might remove some or all of the gland and the surrounding lymph nodes, depending on the extent and type of the cancer. Often, surgery is enough, but when the tumours are larger or spread elsewhere in the body, radiation, chemotherapy, radioactive iodine, or targeted therapy that goes after specific cancer cell types may be used.
Post-treatment
After thyroid cancer has been successfully treated with surgery and other interventions, patients continue attending regular follow-up appointments to monitor the potential return of cancer.
The post-treatment medical team will ask about any new or recurring symptoms. It’s important to keep track of them because thyroid cancer can grow back slowly, sometimes 10 or 20 years after the first treatment.
Did you know about these signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: What are gynaecological cancers and how can you prevent them?
Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.
