ABOUT THE DISEASE
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the middle of the neck, located just below the voice box. It is responsible for making the thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone regulates the body`s metabolism i.e the breakdown and use of food or energy that is stored in the body. This metabolism affects the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight.
Sometimes thyroid tissue begins to grow uncontrollably, causing one or more nodules to form. These nodules can be benign or malignant (cancerous). Cancerous nodules can invade the tissues of the neck, spread to the surrounding lymph nodes, or to the bloodstream, and then to other parts of the body.
There are four types of thyroid cancer:
(i) Papillary - This is the most common type of cancer. Over 70 percent of thyroid cancers are papillary. This cancer is usually not fast growing and does not spread quickly into surrounding tissue.
(ii) Follicular - This type makes up 10 to 20 percent of thyroid cancers. Follicular cancer can travel through the bloodstream and into other areas of the body, such as the lungs or bone. It is more likely to recur (come back after treatment) and spread.
(iii) Medullary - This type accounts for 4 percent of thyroid cancers. It is more likely to develop if there is a family history of this type of cancer.
(iv) Anaplastic - This type is rare, accounting for about 2 percent of thyroid cancers. Anaplastic cancer is a fast growing cancer, spreading quickly into surrounding tissue.
SYMPTOMS
- • Enlargement of the thyroid gland or lumps or swelling in neck.
- • Hoarseness or a change in voice.
- • Cough or coughing up blood.
- • Difficulty swallowing.
- • Shortness of breath.
CAUSES
The risk factors associated with Thyroid cancer are:
• Gender - Women are about three times more susceptible than men.
• Age- Women - 40s and 50s. Men are usually diagnosed in their 60s and 70s.
• Family history or genetic factors.
• Exposure to radiation - A history of radiation treatments to the head and neck, especially during childhood or as a fallout from a nuclear power plant accident.
• Chronic goitre
• Iodine deficiency
DIAGNOSIS
- Physical examination
- Ultrasound test
- Thyroid hormone tests
- Thyroid scan
- FNAC (Fine needle aspiration cytology)
- Biopsy
TREATMENT METHODS
The treatment plan depends upon the kind and stage of cancer identified - cancer is classified in 4 stages from 1 to 4, with the severity level increasing with stages.
In most cases Surgery is the first line of treatment:
Treatment options include:-
- • Surgery to remove the entire thyroid - Total thyroidectomy.
- • Surgery to remove one lobe of the thyroid- Lobectomy.
This is then coupled with radiation therapy / iodine therapy and chemotherapy (if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body) as the case may be. Thyroid hormone pills are prescribed for the rest of life post the treatment.
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