Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid Cancer Introduction

• Thyroid cancer arises from the cells of the thyroid gland.
• It is generally highly treatable and often curable, especially when detected early.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

1. Papillary:

   • The most common and least aggressive type.

2. Follicular:

   • Includes Hurtled cell carcinoma; tends to spread to distant organs.

3. Medullary:

   • Arises from C cells that produce calcitonin; may be part of genetic syndromes.

4. Anaplastic:

   • Rare and highly aggressive.

Causes

1. Genetic Mutations: Can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
2. Radiation Exposure: Increased risk, particularly from childhood radiation exposure.
3. Family History: Genetic predisposition in some types of cancer.

Symptoms

• A lump or swelling in the neck.
• Hoarseness or voice changes.
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
• Persistent cough not related to a cold.

Diagnosis

1. Ultrasound: To visualize thyroid nodules and lymph nodes.
2. Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: To examine cells for cancer.
3. Blood Tests: To measure levels of thyroid hormones and calcitonin.
4. Radioactive Iodine Scan: To assess thyroid function and detect metastasis.
5. Genetic Testing: For hereditary forms of thyroid cancer.

Treatment

1. Surgery: Primary treatment, often involving thyroidectomy (removal of part or all of the thyroid gland).
2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy: To destroy remaining thyroid tissue and treat metastasis.
3. Thyroid Hormone Therapy: To replace hormones and suppress TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) to prevent cancer recurrence.
4. External Radiation Therapy: For advanced or inoperable cancer.
5. Chemotherapy: Used in some cases of anaplastic this cancer.
6. Targeted Therapy: For advanced cancer not responding to other treatments.

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