The major metabolic activities of your body, be it heat production, oxygen assimilation, or energy dissipation; everything is made possible by the wonder hormone produced by your thyroid gland. This butterfly-shaped gland is located at the base of your neck. Things are fine until cells in this gland change and start outperforming their function, leading to cancer of the thyroid gland.
This article takes you through the symptoms of this disease and tells you how you can prevent it and get the right treatment for it from an endocrinologist specialist.
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF THYROID CANCER
The major cause of this cancer is when cells of the thyroid gland change or mutate. They start to multiply rapidly and do not die, thus causing the formation of a tumor. These abnormal cells can also spread the infection to other adjacent areas of the body. The cause of this mutation or change is not very obvious, but certain people are at a greater risk than others.
Self-assessing for thyroid cancer is almost impossible in the early stages as the symptoms are almost invisible. As cancer manifests, one or more of these symptoms may become evident:
- Mild pain in the neck
- Irregular swelling
- Swallowing becomes difficult
- Increased hoarseness in voice
- Excessive cough
TYPES OF THYROID CANCER
Thyroid cancer can be of various types depending on the age, medical conditions, and the extent.
- Papillary thyroid cancer
- As suggestive of the name, it originates in the follicular cells and is the most common type. It affects people in the age group of 30-60 years.
- Follicular thyroid cancer
- This one originates in the Follicular cells as well and usually occurs in people above 50 years of age. A more aggressive and lethal version of the same is the Hurthle cell cancer
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer
- This a rare type of thyroid cancer and is the most difficult to treat. It usually occurs in older people, and the survival rate is low.
- Medullary thyroid cancer
- This occurs in the c- cells that are responsible for producing calcitonin.
Other rare types of thyroid cancer are thyroid lymphoma and thyroid sarcoma.
DIAGNOSIS
The major indicator of thyroid cancer is the formation of a lump in the neck. This may be self-diagnosed. However, to know if the lump is malignant or not, the help of an endocrinologist specialist is required.
The following methods are used by the best endocrinologist in Dubai and worldwide to get a clear diagnosis of the condition so as to formulate a comprehensive cancer treatment plan:
- Ultrasound
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)
- Radio-iodine testing and blood tests may also be done along with MRIs.
These methods should be carried out by an endocrinologist specialist only to eliminate any risk.
TREATMENT
Thyroid cancer is treatable, as it is very common. However, the only method to treat it the right way is surgery conducted by an endocrinologist specialist. Other major treatments are as follows:
- Lobectomy
- It is employed when the tumor is confined to a small area and can be removed surgically.
- Total thyroidectomy
- In this procedure, the entire thyroid gland is removed.
- Lymph node resection
- If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, this technique is employed.
- Open biopsy
- An endocrinologist specialist may have to send all tissues for diagnosis in case the needle test seems insufficient.
- Chemotherapy
- May be used when the thyroid does not respond to other treatments.
Thyroid, as well as any cancer treatment, is a difficult time for the patient and the patient’s family. Specifically for thyroid cancer, the best endocrinologist in Dubai based hospitals are known to provide the most premium care and support. They ensure the patient understands the process, absorbs the information, and knows the outcome so that the treatment does not become overwhelming. This treatment tests the patient, both physically, mentally, and spiritually. Thyroid cancer has a high survival rate. As with any disease, early detection is best, so if you suspect that you might have the symptoms, try to visit your doctor as early as possible.
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