Thyroid Cancer

Overview

Thyroid cancer may not cause any symptoms at first. As it grows, it can cause pain or swelling in your neck. Some types can grow very quickly. Most are treated successfully with surgery.

Symptoms

• Lumps noticed in the neck
• Pain in the throat or neck
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Types of thyroid cancer

Papillary thyroid cancer

This is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 50.

Follicular thyroid cancer

This is the second most common type. It usually occurs over the age of 50.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer

This is a fast-growing type of cancer that is difficult to treat. It usually occurs in people over the age of 60. It is difficult to treat.

Medullary thyroid cancer

This is a rare form. It can be part of certain multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes.

Risk factors

Female sex, family history and a history of radiation therapy to the neck area.

Diagnosis

Nodules suspicious for cancer are identified with a thyroid ultrasound. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy is then performed, also under ultrasound guidance. The samples taken from the nodule are analyzed in the laboratory, and this is how the diagnosis is made.

Treatment and follow-up

Treatment is usually surgery. Your doctors will decide on the type of operation. After surgery, you will need to take thyroid hormone supplements. The dose will be determined by tests performed at 4–6 week intervals. Sometimes radioactive iodine therapy may be needed after surgery to completely destroy any remaining cancerous thyroid tissue. Your physician will give you the necessary information about this.