Thyroid Cancer
The thyroid gland is a vital component of the endocrine system, located at the front of the neck just below the larynx. This gland is comprised of two lobes positioned on either side of the trachea. The primary function of the thyroid gland is hormone production, which regulates the body’s metabolic processes. The cells of the thyroid gland are categorized into two main types: follicular cells, responsible for producing thyroid hormones that control calorie burning, digestion speed, heart rate, body temperature, muscle contraction, and the replacement of dead cells; and C cells, which produce calcitonin, a hormone that helps in regulating calcium levels in the blood. Thyroid cancer is considered relatively uncommon compared to other cancer types, but it is regarded as treatable. Treatment options include surgery and radioactive iodine therapy.
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
Generally, thyroid cancer does not present symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer progresses, patients may experience some of the following symptoms:
- A noticeable lump in the neck that can be seen through the skin.
- Changes in voice quality, such as hoarseness.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Pain in the neck and throat.
- Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck.
Types of Thyroid Cancer
There are several types of thyroid cancer, each varying in characteristics. Below is an overview of these types:
- Differentiated Thyroid Cancers: Most thyroid cancers fall into this category, characterized by cells that closely resemble the gland’s normal tissue under a microscope. These cancers typically develop from the follicular cells and include:
- Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Accounting for approximately 80% of thyroid cancer cases, it is known for its slow growth, usually affecting only one lobe of the thyroid. While it can spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, it is generally not life-threatening and can often be successfully treated.
- Follicular Thyroid Cancer: Representing about 10% of thyroid cancer cases, this type is more common in regions with iodine deficiency. Unlike papillary thyroid cancer, follicular cancer does not typically spread to lymph nodes but can metastasize to other organs, such as the lungs and bones.
- Hurthle Cell Carcinoma: Also known as oxyphil cell carcinoma, this rare form accounts for roughly 3% of thyroid cancers and is often challenging to diagnose and treat.
- Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: This type constitutes about 4% of thyroid cancers, originating from C cells. It has the potential to spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, and liver before detection. Subtypes include:
- Sporadic Medullary Thyroid Cancer: This affects a single lobe and comprises around 80% of cases. It is often not hereditary and predominantly occurs in older adults.
- Familial Medullary Thyroid Cancer: This hereditary type can affect 20 to 25% of individuals within the same family generation. It often impacts both lobes of the thyroid and typically arises during childhood or early adulthood, with a noted association to other tumor types.
- Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: Named for the lack of resemblance between the cancer cells and normal thyroid cells, this rare form represents only 2% of cases and often develops from pre-existing papillary or follicular cancers. It is aggressive and difficult to treat due to rapid spread.
- Less Common Thyroid Cancers: This includes thyroid lymphomas and thyroid sarcomas, accounting for less than 4% of all thyroid cancer cases.
Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer
The specific causes of thyroid cancer remain unclear; however, the disease often arises from genetic mutations that lead thyroid cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, resulting in tumors. Various factors that may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer include:
- Gender: Thyroid cancer is more prevalent in women than in men.
- Exposure to Radiation: High radiation exposure from head and neck cancer treatments, as well as nuclear accidents or weapons testing, can elevate thyroid cancer risk.
- Certain Genetic Syndromes: Some inherited syndromes can contribute to thyroid cancer development, including familial medullary thyroid cancer and multiple endocrine neoplasia.
Video on Thyroid Tumors
To learn more about thyroid tumors, please watch the video.