Thyroid cancer involves the thyroid gland and may not cause symptoms early on. However, if it worsens, you may have symptoms including neck swelling, changes in your voice, pain in the throat or neck, and trouble swallowing. This is one of the most common endocrine malignancies, which is typically very treatable, especially when diagnosed early. Receive expert advice and support for thyroid cancer from the best cancer surgeon in Siliguri or near you.
Overview of Thyroid Cancer
The thyroid gland looks like a butterfly-shaped gland near the base of the neck that produces hormones that control metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. Cancer starts in the thyroid gland when cells in the gland grow uncontrolled, becoming a tumor.
There are various forms of thyroid cancer:
- The most prevalent type here is papillary thyroid carcinoma, which typically grows slowly or gradually.
- Follicular thyroid carcinoma is often slow-growing, but it’s slightly more aggressive than papillary thyroid cancer.
- Medullary thyroid cancer is a rare kind and is often related to hereditary disorders.
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer is another uncommon type, but it is the most aggressive type that spreads fast.
Common Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer may not present symptoms in its initial stages; therefore, many patients find it by chance during imaging for other reasons or during a normal neck assessment. If you notice any unusual symptoms or even common ones that take time to heal, visit a doctor immediately.
- A lump or enlargement in your neck area
- Hoarseness or unusual changes in voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- A sense of pain at the front of your neck or throat
- Ongoing cough, not caused by a cold
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Even though many of these symptoms indicate illnesses other than cancer, you should still consult a doctor to make sure the diagnosis is made under medical supervision.
Thyroid Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Insights
Imaging tests, tissue collection in biopsy, and physical examinations are all vital tests to diagnose thyroid cancer.
Medical history and physical examination
Besides asking about your symptoms and any family or personal history of thyroid cancer or illness, your doctor will examine any lumps that are visible.
Ultrasonography
When assessing thyroid nodules, ultrasound imaging is usually the initial step in thyroid cancer diagnosis. It helps identify the nodule's size, form, and properties as well as any unusual signs or impacted lymph nodes.
Biopsy
A fine-needle aspiration biopsy is carried out if a nodule shows up on ultrasonography, which involves using a fine needle to remove a little sample of tissue or fluid to test it for malignant cells under a microscope.
Thyroid Function Tests
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) testing through blood tests can rule out other thyroid disorders.
Other Imaging Tests
If cancer is diagnosed, further tests such as radioactive iodine scans, CT scans, or MRIs may be performed to see if the cancer has spread.
Medical Care
The patient's age, general health, and the type and stage of thyroid cancer all matter in planning the treatment, including:
Surgery
The majority of thyroid cancer cases require a thyroidectomy, which involves removing all or part of the thyroid gland. Surgical procedure may also be necessary to remove neighboring lymph nodes if the cancer has spread.
Half of the thyroid is removed by the surgeon during a thyroid lobectomy, which is done if you have a slow-growing thyroid cancer in one area of your thyroid, no lymph node cancer symptoms, etc. Get in touch with the best cancer surgeon in Siliguri for optimum care.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
This therapy helps destroy any leftover thyroid tissue or cancer cells following surgery. Usually, thyroid malignancies that are follicular and papillary respond well to this therapy.
Hormone Therapy for the Thyroid
Patients require lifetime thyroid hormone supplementation after thyroidectomy.
Radiation or Chemotherapy
These therapies are rarely offered and are usually saved for malignancies that are aggressive or recurring.
Targeted Therapy
Treatments using targeted drugs concentrate on certain chemicals found in cancer cells.
When diagnosed early, thyroid cancer has one of the best survival rates. Early diagnosis and successful treatment can result from being aware of the thyroid cancer symptoms, getting medical help for any odd changes in the neck and throat, and carrying out the necessary testing without delay. Visit one of the best oncologists in Siliguri or near you for optimal thyroid cancer treatment.
