I. What is thyroid cancer?
The thyroid gland is located in the middle of the neck and it produces thyroid hormones. Thyroid cancer occurs when normal cells in the thyroid gland become abnormal and growth gets out of control. There are many types of thyroid cancer and certain types are more severe.
2. What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?
In the early stage, there may be no symptoms and thyroid cancer is only found by chance during imaging tests on the neck. When thyroid cancer is symptomatic, the most common symptom is an abnormal growth in the thyroid gland (also called a thyroid nodule), and these nodules usually grow rapidly in a short period of time. Some patients can see or feel the nodules growing themselves. In other patients, the nodules are found to be growing when the doctor’s nurse does a routine exam.
Other symptoms of thyroid cancer include.
A hoarse voice or inability to speak.
Difficulty breathing.
Difficulty swallowing.
Coughing or hemoptysis.
Other diseases besides thyroid cancer can also cause these symptoms. However, if you have these symptoms, please tell your doctor or nurse.
Is there a way to check for thyroid cancer?
Yes, there is. If you have a thyroid nodule, your doctor will give you some tests to diagnose thyroid cancer (many thyroid nodules are not thyroid cancer). These tests include
Imaging tests – The most common test is a thyroid ultrasound, which can visualize the thyroid gland through sound waves. Some people need a thyroid scan. Before the scan, the patient takes a pill containing radioactive iodine or an injection containing iodine, and then a special type of imaging is done on the thyroid.
Blood tests
Needle aspiration biopsy – a small amount of thyroid tissue is aspirated with a fine needle and the tissue is then viewed under a microscope.
D. How is thyroid cancer staged?
Thyroid cancer staging is judged based on whether the cancer has spread, where it originated and how far it has spread (if it has spread at all).
The correct treatment plan depends on the type, stage and other complications of thyroid cancer.
V. How is thyroid cancer treated?
One or more of the following treatments are available for thyroid cancer.
Surgery – In most cases, patients with thyroid cancer have the diseased tissue removed through surgery. The surgeon will remove part or all of the thyroid gland, and may also remove nearby lymph nodes. (Lymph nodes are the body’s defense system against infection and are shaped like lentils.)
Radioactive iodine therapy – Radioactive iodine therapy (also called radiation therapy) is achieved by taking a pill or solution containing iodine. It contains a very small amount of radiation and can destroy most of the thyroid tissue.
Thyroid hormone therapy – Your doctor will prescribe thyroxine-based medication after surgery or radioactive iodine therapy to keep your body’s thyroxine levels normal.
External radiation therapy – This treatment uses a high dose of X-rays to kill tumor cells. This radiation is given by an external radiation machine.
Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy means that the doctor prescribes some drugs to kill the cancer cells.
VI. What should I do after the treatment?
After treatment, your doctor will ask you to follow up regularly to see if the tumor comes back. The follow-up visits include physical examination, blood tests and imaging tests. Your doctor will also test your thyroid hormone levels regularly.
You will also need to watch for any of the previously listed symptoms of thyroid cancer, which may indicate a recurrence of the cancer if they occur again. Please tell your doctor or nurse if you have any symptoms.
7. What if my thyroid cancer has returned or spread?
If thyroid cancer has returned or spread, you may need to have another surgery or receive radioactive iodine treatment, external radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
What else do I need to do?
It is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions to have regular check-ups. Tell your doctor about any side effects or problems that occur during treatment.