What is thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck below the Adam's apple. Your thyroid helps to regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight by producing hormones. Thyroid Cancer is relatively rare compared to other types of cancer but is usually treatable if detected early.
What are symptoms of thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. However, as the cancer grows, it may lead to symptoms such as:
- A lump or swelling in the neck, sometimes painless
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Persistent cough not due to a cold
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's essential to see a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis if experiencing any of them.
What are the different types of thyroid cancer?
There are four main types of thyroid cancer. These are:
- Papillary thyroid cancer: The most common type, typically slow-growing and often curable, originating from follicular cells and characterized by irregularly shaped papillae.
- Follicular thyroid cancer: Arising from follicular cells and typically exhibiting a more invasive growth pattern compared to papillary thyroid cancer, often presenting with a well-defined encapsulated mass.
- Medullary thyroid cancer: Arising from parafollicular C cells, often hereditary and associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) and characterized by elevated levels of calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer: A rare and aggressive type, originating from follicular cells and often presenting as a rapidly growing mass with extensive invasion into surrounding tissues, associated with poor prognosis.
What causes thyroid cancer?
The exact cause of thyroid cancer is often unknown. However, certain factors may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer, including:
- Exposure to radiation, particularly during childhood
- Family history of thyroid cancer or other thyroid conditions
- Certain genetic syndromes, such as familial medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes
- Gender, as thyroid cancer is more common in women than men
What are treatment options for thyroid cancer?
Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on various factors, including the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual's overall health. The Iowa Clinic team will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan.
Treatment options may include:
- Surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy)
- Radioactive iodine therapy to destroy remaining thyroid tissue after surgery
- Hormone replacement therapy to replace thyroid hormones after thyroidectomy
- External beam radiation therapy in some cases
- Chemotherapy or targeted drug therapy for advanced or aggressive thyroid cancers