Thyroid Cancer

A butterfly shaped gland in the neck is known as thyroid. It is situated below the larynx (voice box). It has two lobes (parts) which are separated by a thin layer called isthmus. It has two types of cells. Ones that make the thyroid hormone and affect the heart rate, body temperature and energy level are known as Follicular cells whereas the other type of cells called the C cells, help in production of a hormone which control the level of calcium in the blood.

All the organs in our body are made up of tissues. Cells make up tissues which are the basic unit of life. Cancer is nothing but a group of multiple associated diseases that originates in the cells. Cancer is growth of unwanted cells causing a tumor. The growth of cells in the thyroid is called nodules.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer

The early stages of thyroid cancer, usually do not show any symptoms. Some of the symptoms that might appear include, difficulty while speaking, swollen lymph nodes, trouble with swallowing, breathing and severe throat pain.

Very young people usually do not have thyroid nodules but in older age group we see that ¾ th of population develops nodules. By the age of 75 - 80 almost everyone gets at least one nodule. However, less than 1% of all the thyroid nodules are harmful.

There are mainly four types of thyroid cancers. They are Papillary tumors, Follicular carcinomas, Medullary tumors and Anaplastic Thyroid cancer. The symptoms vary for every type. Let us have a look at these four types of thyroid cancers:

Papillary tumors – It is the most common form of thyroid cancer and is seen as an irregular, solid mass that develops from the normal thyroid tissue. From about 100 % of the thyroid cancers diagnosed, 60 % are diagnosed as papillary thyroid cancers. It is more common in females and young people. It usually grows slowly but can spread towards and on the lymph nodes causing dangerous effects.

Follicular carcinomas – It is considered to be more aggressive than papillary thyroid cancer. Almost 10 % of thyroid cancer cases are diagnosed as follicular carcinomas. It is more common among the elderly patients and in the regions where there is iodine deficiency. It is more malignant, spreading hematogenously with distant metastases.

Medullary tumors – It is an unusual form of tumor. The medullary cancer originates from the C cells present in thyroid. It can be diagnosed only after an operation that confirms the presence of these cells. It has much lower curing rate than the above two forms of thyroid cancers. It spreads with great speed to cervical lymph nodes.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer – It is a rare, aggressive form of thyroid cancer. It is diagnosed amongst only 1 to 5 % of all the thyroid cancer cases. It is more common among females and men over the age of 65. It is usually found as a large lump in the gland and grows rapidly towards trachea or windpipe making it difficult for the patient to breath. It is the only type of thyroid cancer that can rapidly affect other parts of the body.

Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

There are four basic methods for treatment of thyroid cancer. These are as follows:

Surgery: Surgery is perhaps the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. The surgery involves removal of the cancer cells. It is an operation that practically removes the entire thyroid.

Radiation Therapy : This method uses high energy x-rays that kill the cancer cells and shrink the tumors. Radiation therapy can either be given via an external radiation machine or by administering a dose of radioactive iodine.

Hormone Therapy : Hormone therapy involves usage of specific hormones that inhibit the growth of cancer cells. These hormones are usually administered via pills.

Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy makes use of chemicals that kill the cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered either through pills or by injections. Since chemotherapy is a systemic form of treatment and travels through the body, it can also kill cancer sells outside the thyroid gland.

The cancer cells are often found at lymph nodes, nerves, blood vessels, and as the tumor grows it gradually spreads outside the thyroid. Cancer cells can also affect lungs and bones. Detection of cancer implies abrupt and abnormal growth of cells in our body.

It is always advisable to visit your doctor immediately in case you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.