Thyroid Cancer Symptoms: Signs, Risks, Types And Treatments For Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system that produces essential bodily hormones. These hormones regulate metabolism and heart rate while supporting brain development, cardiovascular health, bone strength, and the proper functioning of the digestive system and muscles. Hence, the proper functioning of the thyroid gland is essential for the human body to function properly.

Now, thyroid cancer occurs when the cells within the thyroid gland mutate, leading to uncontrolled growth. Even though it is a rare form of cancer, the awareness regarding it is rising due to the advancement of medical science. This write-up aims to delve into this pressing issue and uncover its essential details. 

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer may present with both early and progressive symptoms that require careful attention for diagnosis and treatment.

1.Early Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

• Neck Lumps and Swelling: The most common symptom of thyroid cancer is the formation of an unusual nodule or lump on the neck. Most of the nodules stay benign in the early stages, but they grow rapidly later. Also, in some cases, one can notice swelling in the neck.
• Changes in Voice: Affected individuals experience voice changes. Most of the time, they feel hoarseness in the voice. 

2.Progressive Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing: The growth of nodules on the thyroid gland causes swallowing. Also, the patients experience difficulty breathing. 
• Persistent cough: When the nodules grow on the thyroid gland, they will irritate the throat. Furthermore, this situation leads to a persistent cough that stays without illness or cold.  

Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer

1.Genetic Predispositions

There are some conditions that people inherit from their parents. These are -

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2): People with MEN2 have the risk of developing medullary thyroid cancer. Also, there are two subtypes of MEN2: MEN2A and MEN2B. These happen due to defects in the RET gene. 
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP): It causes papillary thyroid cancer and elevates the risk of other tumours.
•  Gardner syndrome, a subtype of FAP, causes this cancer. Gerdner syndrome and FAP happen due to defects in the APC gene. 
• Cowden syndrome: This syndrome leads to papillary or follicular cancers of the thyroid. The syndrome happens due to defects in the PTEN gene. 
• Carney complex: It is a rare syndrome that causes dark areas on the skin and accelerates the risk of benign tumours. Also, this syndrome increases the development of follicular and papillary cancers on the thyroid. The syndrome occurs due to defects in the PRKAR1A gene.

2.Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

• Individuals receiving radiation treatment on the neck or head in childhood are more susceptible to thyroid cancer. Specifically, radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma and radiation treatment before bone marrow transplant cause thyroid cancer. 
• The risk of thyroid cancer is higher among those who are exposed to radioactive decay due to nuclear power plant accidents. 
• People having a low-iodine diet also develop the risk of follicular thyroid cancer. On the other hand, people with a high iodine diet trigger the risk of papillary thyroid. 
• Furthermore, excessive body weight heightens the risk of thyroid cancer. 

Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer

1.Physical Examination and Medical History

In terms of primary diagnosis, the doctor first looks for the obvious symptoms and bodily changes to determine this condition. They will also ask the patients about their medical and family medical histories to better understand the situation.

2.Imaging and Biopsy Procedures

• Ultrasound: It can detect the number and size of the thyroid nodules. This test can even check whether the nodules are solid or fluid-filled.
• Radioiodine scan: It helps to determine if the nodules of the neck consist of thyroid tissue. Also, it can be used for people who have already gone through a thyroid diagnosis. Radioiodine scan helps to determine if their thyroid cancer has spread or not. 
• CT scan: It helps to determine the size and location of the thyroid cancer. This scan also helps check if the cancer has spread to nearby areas. Moreover, it can be used to check if the cancer spreads to distant organs like the lungs. 
• MRI: MRI helps to get detailed images of the thyroid gland and associated lymph nodes.

Understanding the Different Types of Thyroid Cancer

• Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Papillary is the most common thyroid cancer. Even though it can appear at any age, it is usually noticed in the age group of 30 to 50. However, a highlight here is that it shows positive results for the right treatment. Even if the cancer has spread to the neck, it can be managed with the right treatment.
• Follicular Thyroid Cancer: Generally, this cancer affects people older than 50 years of age. It's a rare type of thyroid cancer, and it is aggressive as it quickly spreads to other parts of the human body like the lungs.
•  Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Another rare thyroid cancer initiated by thyroid cells is called C cells. These C cells generate calcitonin hormone, and the increment of calcitonin level indicates the early stage of medullary thyroid cancer. Also, this form of thyroid cancer can be a result of the RET genes. 
• Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: This cancer grows rapidly and can't be cured well. However, the treatment can slow down the progress of the tumour. Generally, it is noticed in people above the age of 60 years. The symptoms of this cancer are neck swelling, difficulty in breathing, etc. 

Thyroid Cancer Symptoms in Specific Populations

Treatment Options and Associated Symptoms

1.Surgery and its Impact

Surgery is the most common treatment for this disease. The surgeons remove the infected part of the thyroid gland depending on the nodule size and location.

Some side effects of the surgery are -

• Neck pain
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swallowing problems
• Voice problems

These are temporary side effects.

2.Radiation and Chemotherapy Side Effects

• Hair loss
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores
• Nausea and vomiting

Generally, these side effects disappear after the completion of treatment.

Self-monitoring and When to Seek Medical Attention

1.Recognizing Symptoms Early

• The individuals should check their thyroid gland through their fingers and feel if there is any lump or irregularities on the neck
• Visit a reputable physician for a medical checkup. They will conduct some physical exams as part of the thyroid cancer screening process. 
• Another self-check-up method is to be aware if there is any coughing issue that never goes away. 

2.Importance of Regular Checkups

• Regular checkups can detect thyroid cancer in its early stages. It helps treat people better and increases their chances of survival.
• The fruitfulness of treatment can be understood by the regular checkups.
• These checkups help the doctors know if any alternative treatment plan is required. 
• Also, regular monitoring can help to detect other health complexities due to thyroid cancer. 

Conclusion

Thyroid cancer occurs due to unusual growth of the cells of the thyroid cells. The early symptoms of this disease include nodule formation in the neck and hoarseness in voice. However, the severe symptoms include issues in swallowing and a persistent cough. 

Thus, individuals suffering from early symptoms should refer to a doctor. If the treatment starts early, it will provide fruitful results. Otherwise, the condition will worsen, and there will be less chance of survival. Surgery is the most common treatment for this disease, and it provides positive results. Consult an experienced endocrinologist for a thorough evaluation and personalized care. Early detection is key—schedule your appointment today for peace of mind.