Thyroid Cancer

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Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid gland, which is situated in the front of the neck and creates hormones that control metabolism, is where thyroid cancer typically starts. Despite being a relatively uncommon kind of cancer, thyroid cancer can be dangerous if it is not identified and treated at an early stage.

Thyroid:

Ø Thyroid is one of the endocrine glands located in the shape of a butterfly in the front of our neck.

Ø Two important secretions namely thyroxine and triiodothyronine are produced from this gland. In this, thyroxine is called T4 and triiodothyronine is called T3.

Ø Both of these hormones are stimulated by thyroid stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland.

Ø Hormones secreted from this thyroid perform countless, important tasks including maintaining our heart rate, keeping our blood pressure under control, maintaining a steady body temperature, and monitoring the body’s metabolism.

Thyroid problems and Cancer:

Ø In general, the problem of thyroid T3 and T4 hormones being too low or too much occurs in most people.

Ø The problem caused by too little secretion of the thyroid gland is called “Hypothyroidism” and the problem caused by excessive secretion of the thyroid gland is called “Hyperthyroidism”.

Ø Apart from this problem, some people also have the problem of cyst formation in the thyroid gland. They will have the cyst removed surgically and given thyroxine tablets.

Thyroid cancer comes in a variety of forms, including:

1.     Papillary thyroid carcinoma: With nearly 80% of cases, papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most prevalent kind of thyroid cancer. It often develops gradually and is very curable.

Stages of Papillary thyroid cancer:

Stage I: The thyroid gland-specific tumor is small and localized; it has not migrated to the adjacent lymph nodes or to other organs.

Stage II: The tumor has grown to a size greater than 2 centimeters, but it is still contained within the thyroid gland and has not migrated to adjacent lymph nodes or other organs.

Stage III: The tumor has not yet metastasized to other body sites but has spread to adjacent lymph nodes.

Stage IV: The tumor has either invaded neighboring structures, such as the trachea or esophagus, or it has moved outside the thyroid gland to the lungs or bones.

The phases of papillary thyroid cancer aid medical professionals in selecting the best course of action and giving patients a prognosis. With a five-year survival rate of over 95%, individuals with early stage papillary thyroid carcinoma typically have a positive outlook. Patients with advanced-stage papillary thyroid cancer or tumors that are becoming treatment-resistant, however, may have a worse prognosis.

2.     Follicular thyroid cancer: Compared to papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer is less prevalent and tends to spread more swiftly. Treatment for it can be more challenging than for papillary thyroid cancer.

3.     Medullary thyroid cancer: The cells that make the hormone calcitonin are where this type of thyroid cancer begins. About 4% of thyroid cancer cases are caused by it.

4.     Anaplastic thyroid cancer: The rarest and most severe kind of thyroid cancer is known as anaplastic. It spreads swiftly and is frequently challenging to treat.

In its early stages, thyroid cancer may not show any symptoms because it typically progresses slowly. As the cancer spreads, it could result in symptoms like:

Ø A neck lump or a swelling

Ø Sudden weight loss

Ø Speaking difficulties or hoarseness

Ø Physical fatigue

Ø Throat or neck discomfort

Ø Mood swings

Ø Hair loss

Ø Constipation

Ø Irregular menstrual cycle

Ø Menstrual disorders including heavy bleeding, light bleeding

Ø Having trouble swallowing

Ø Neck lymph nodes that are enlarged

Tests:

Ø It's critical to visit a doctor as soon as you can if you have any of these signs. To detect thyroid cancer, your doctor may do a physical examination and prescribe tests like a biopsy, blood tests, or imaging tests (such an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI).

Ø A blood test will be done to know the level of T3, T4, TSH secretion in the blood. It is important to note that some people with thyroid cancer have normal thyroid secretion levels.

Ø Therefore, the thyroid tumor is x-rayed and scanned and then its physiological variation is examined. The size of the thyroid tumor will be determined.

Ø Subsequently, tissue from the site of the thyroid tumor is taken and examined by Fine Needle Aspiration (FNP). In this, we can find out whether the tumor is normal or cancerous.

The course of treatment for thyroid cancer is determined by the type and stage of the disease, as well as your age and general health. Treatment choices could be:

1.     Thyroidectomy: Surgery to remove the thyroid gland is the most popular form of treatment for thyroid cancer. Neck lymph nodes may also be removed in specific circumstances.

2.     Radioactive iodine therapy: Taking a dosage of radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by the residual thyroid cells and kills any malignant cells that may still be present after surgery, is the first step in radioactive iodine therapy. Thyroid cancer can be treated using radioactive iodine therapy, also referred to as I-131 therapy. Giving the patient a dosage of radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by the thyroid gland and any lingering thyroid cancer cells in the body, is the procedure's first step. The cancer cells are eliminated by the iodine's radiation.

The general procedures for radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer are as follows:

1.     Preparation: The patient will need to restrict their iodine consumption for a few weeks prior to the therapy in order to become ready for it. This is so that iodine won't affect how well the treatment works. In order to improve the efficacy of the medication, the doctor may also recommend thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

2.     Administration: The radioactive iodine will be given to the patient in a liquid or pill form to swallow. Depending on the patient's age, weight, and the extent of the thyroid cancer, the doctor will choose the appropriate dose.

3.     Isolation: After receiving the radioactive iodine, the patient will require a few days of isolation in a particular hospital room. This is done to prevent radiation exposure to other people. Visitors are not permitted at this period for the patient.

4.     Monitoring: While the patient is sequestered, any therapy-related adverse effects or consequences will be kept an eye on. In order to monitor the patient's thyroid function and the efficacy of the treatment, the doctor may additionally order tests.

5.     Following: The patient will be permitted to return home after the period of isolation. To check on the patient's thyroid function and the treatment's efficacy, the doctor will set up follow-up sessions. Additional radioactive iodine doses can be required in rare circumstances.

It's significant to remember that not all forms of thyroid cancer respond well to radioactive iodine therapy. The patient's unique circumstances, as well as the type and stage of their cancer, will determine whether or not this treatment is used. Before starting the treatment, the doctor and patient will go over the advantages and disadvantages of it.

3.     External radiation therapy: In this procedure, cancer cells are killed by high-energy radiation.

4.     Chemotherapy: This therapy employs medication to eradicate cancer cells. Although occasionally used, it is mostly ineffective for treating thyroid cancer.

The prognosis for thyroid cancer is typically favorable, particularly if it is identified and treated quickly. Over 95% of patients with papillary and follicular thyroid cancer survive for at least five years, while only about 80% of patients with medullary thyroid cancer do. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma has a substantially worse prognosis, with a five-year survival rate of fewer than 10%.

In conclusion, thyroid cancer, which occurs in the thyroid gland, is a rare but serious type of cancer. Early detection is key to a successful treatment outcome, so it's crucial to be aware of the signs and visit a doctor if you experience any of them.