The most common thyroid disease is hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive. In this condition, the body produces more thyroid hormone than normal. Hyperthyroidism can manifest itself with symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, irritability, and tremors. Another common thyroid disease is hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid gland is underactive or produces insufficient hormones.
Hypothyroidism is associated with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, and depression. Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the thyroid gland. It usually begins with a lump or nodule in the neck.
What is thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the thyroid gland. It usually occurs when the thyroid gland, located in the neck, becomes enlarged or forms nodules. Thyroid cancer is usually a slow-growing type of cancer and can often be treated successfully when diagnosed early. Risk factors for thyroid cancer include radiation exposure (for example, radiation therapy to the head and neck during childhood), family history, and certain genetic conditions. However, most thyroid nodules are not cancerous, and thyroid cancer is rare.
What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?
Symptoms of thyroid cancer are usually noticed as a lump or nodule in the neck. Other symptoms may include hoarseness, throat discomfort, or difficulty swallowing. However, in some cases, thyroid cancer can progress without symptoms and may be detected incidentally during a routine health check. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include:
- Swelling or lump in the neck
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain in the neck, ear, or jaw
- Tiredness
- Weight changes
How is thyroid cancer treated?
It is important to have regular check-ups with your doctor to maintain your thyroid health. Thyroid hormone levels should be checked regularly and any problems should be diagnosed early. Thyroid cancer treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer. The methods that can be used in the treatment of thyroid cancer are as follows:
- Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland is often the first step in treating thyroid cancer.
- Radioactive iodine therapy uses radioactive iodine to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine comes in a liquid or capsule form that can be swallowed.
- After your thyroid gland is removed, you’ll need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy to provide the hormones your body needs. This treatment usually lasts a lifetime.
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be a treatment option for people with advanced or spread thyroid cancer.
- Radiation therapy may be a treatment option for people with advanced or spread thyroid cancer, or it may be used to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.