Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the thyroid gland. There are four main types of thyroid cancer based on how the cells look under a microscope and they are: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. National Cancer Institute estimates that over 48,000 Americans will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2011 and that 1,740 of them will die.
Types of Thyroid Cancer
- Anaplastic Carcinoma (also known as “giant” and “spindle cell cancer”): This form of thyroid cancer is rare but the most dangerous one. It does not respond to radiation or iodine treatments and spreads quickly… Continue Reading about Anaplastic Carcinoma
- Follicular Carcinoma: accounts for roughly 10% of all cases, increased likelihood of returning and spreading… Continue Reading about Follicular Carcinoma
- Medullary Carcinoma: A form of thyroid cancer in the nonthyroid cells, typically present in the thyroid gland. This form has been linked to genetic mutations and typically spreads through families… Continue Reading about Medullary Carcinoma
- Papillary Carcinoma: The most common form, spreads slowly, the least dangerous and usually affects women… Continue Reading about Papillary Carcinoma
Causes
According to PubMed Health, the following are potential causes for thyroid cancer
- history of chronic goiters
- radiation exposure
Possible Risk Factors
- Family history of thyroid cancer or goiters
- Women are 3 times more likely to get thyroid cancer
- Iodine is being studied by scientist for a potential cause of thyroid cancer
- Over the age of 45
Symptoms
Symptoms may vary depending on the type of thyroid cancer:
- Coughing
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Hoarseness of the throat or changing of your voice
- Swelling of the neck
- Thyroid lumps (nodules)
- ….Continue Reading More About Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Treatment
There are several options for treating thyroid cancer. Depending on the type of thyroid cancer, a doctor can choose one or multiple treatment options. Typically patients will undergo surgery to remove the thyroid gland. If the doctor suspects that the radiation has spread then radiation therapy could be used, which will be administered either by x-rays or iodine by the mouth. If surgery and radiation treatments don’t work, then chemotherapy may be used… Continue Reading More About Thyroid Cancer Treatments
Prevention
As of now, there are no known methods for preventing thyroid cancer, according to PubMed Health.