Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer

Is a cancerous growth of the thyroid gland.

Causes

• Can occur in all age groups.
• People who have had radiation therapy to the neck are at higher risk.
• Other risk factors are a family history of thyroid cancer and chronic goiter.
• There are several types of thyroid cancer:
  
  
  • Anaplastic carcinoma is the most dangerous form of thyroid cancer. It is rare, and does not respond to radioiodine therapy. Anaplastic carcinoma spreads quickly and invades nearby structures such as the windpipe causing breathing difficulties.
  • Follicular carcinoma accounts for about 30% of all cases and is more likely to come back and spread.
  • Medullary carcinoma occurs in families. It requires different treatment than other types of thyroid cancer.
  • Papillary carcinoma is the most common type, and usually affects women of childbearing age. It spreads slowly and is the least dangerous type of thyroid cancer.

• Hoarseness or changing voice
• Neck swelling
• Thyroid lump
• Cough
• Difficulty swallowing
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland

• A physical examination by oncosurgeon
• Tests for thyroid cancer:
  • Elevated serum thyroglobulin (for papillary or follicular cancer) serum calcitonin (for medullary cancer)
  • Laryngoscopy may show paralysis of vocal cords.
  • Thyroid biopsy.
  • Ultrasound of the thyroid showing a nodule.
• Blood test
  • T3
  • T4
  • TSH

1. Varies depending on the type of tumor.
2. The entire thyroid gland is usually removed. Along with modified neck dissection if lymph nodal involvement suspected.
3. Radiation therapy delivered by taking radioactive iodine is used with or without surgery.
4. Radiation therapy with an external beam of radiation can also be used.
5. Thyroid hormone needs to be taken after surgery.
6. Chemotherapy- for advanced cancer patients not responding to surgery or radiotherapy.

1. Anaplastic carcinoma - worst outcome .usually fatal despite treatment.
2. Follicular carcinomas are often fast growing and may invade other tissues, most patients are cured.
3. Medullary carcinoma - Women under age 40 have a better chance of a good outcome.
4. Papillary carcinomas - Most people are cured and have a normal life expectancy.

• Injury to the voice box or nerve, and hoarseness after surgery
• Spread of the cancer to the lungs, bones, or other parts of the body
• Low calcium levels from accidental removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery

• If you notice a lump in your neck.
• Also call if your symptoms get worse during treatment.