Papillary Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid gland is one of the vital glands in the human body system. The thyroid gland, which is shaped like a butterfly, is located in the throat. Being one of the major glands of the endocrine system, this gland secretes a hormone called thyroxine, which maintains an equilibrium in the body. The gland also helps in the function of metabolism. The functioning of the thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, which determine the level of the hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland may be affected by a number of problems and diseases, and can also be affected by cancer, where the nodules in the gland develop at an abnormal pace. There are different types of thyroid cancer, among which papillary thyroid cancer is one of the common types. This deadly disease is also known as papillary thyroid carcinoma, in medical terms.

Signs of Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Unfortunately, the symptoms exhibited in the initial stages are very vague, and most of the time, they tend to be overlooked as a minor disorder. Observing the symptoms can help determine the stage of the cancer and its metastasis.

• There is a formation of a lump on the thyroid gland, which can be apparent when touched. This lump, also known as thyroid nodule, is usually painless and is located near the Adam's apple.
• Swollen lymph nodes in neck can also be observed in an individual suffering from thyroid cancer.
• The individual may also find difficulty in swallowing and experience pain in the throat while doing so. The voice may also turn hoarse as a result of an enlarged thyroid.

Papillary Thyroid Cancer Staging

Similar to other types of cancer, this is also staged, meaning the growth and spread of the cancerous tumors is monitored so that appropriate treatment can be administered to curb this health disorder. There is a standard system called the TNM staging that is used for summarizing the stages of papillary thyroid carcinoma. TNM stands for Tumor, lymph Nodes and Metastasizing of the cancerous cells. The cancer staging is done in four stages based on the spread of the disease. In the first two stages, the tumor has not spread outside the thyroid gland and removal of the tumor is easily. In the third stage, the cancerous cells have spread to the nearby lymph nodes located in the neck. The final stage or stage IV is the stage where the deadly cells have metastasized to other parts of the body and destroyed the healthy cells.

Papillary Thyroid Cancer Treatment

It is essential to diagnose this cancer in the initial stages and undergo treatment to prevent it from becoming life-threatening. Certain diagnostic tests may be carried out by the oncologist to determine the exact stage of cancer and its metastasis in the body. These tests may include a blood test, MRI and CT scan, to check for the size of the tumor and a biopsy to determine the nature of the tumor, whether it is benign or malignant. Once the tests are performed, the doctor may administer treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation may be required to destroy the cancerous cells and curb their growth. In some cases, the doctor may opt for thyroidectomy, where the affected thyroid gland is surgically removed. After the surgery, radioactive iodine is administered to destroy any remaining cancerous cells.

The prognosis is relatively positive for the patients and can survive up to 10 years after treatment. One of the best ways to prevent the occurrence of papillary thyroid cancer (or any other cancer) is to undergo routine medical examinations to keep a check on any unnecessary developments in the body. Wish you good health!