Understanding Types of Thyroid Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It is a relatively rare cancer, accounting for only about 1% of all cancers. However, it is important to be aware of this cancer because it can be successfully treated if caught early. In this article, we will discuss the types of thyroid cancer, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available for patients.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

There are several types of thyroid cancer, including:

1. Papillary Thyroid Cancer: This is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It develops from the follicular cells in the thyroid gland and usually grows slowly.
2. Follicular Thyroid Cancer: This type of cancer also arises from the follicular cells in the thyroid gland. It is less common than papillary thyroid cancer and is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.
3. Medullary Thyroid Cancer: This type of thyroid cancer develops from the parafollicular cells in the thyroid gland. It is more rare than papillary and follicular thyroid cancer and is more likely to run in families.
4. Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: This is the most aggressive type of thyroid cancer and also the rarest. It develops from the follicular cells in the thyroid gland and grows rapidly, making it difficult to treat.

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

In its early stages, thyroid cancer may not cause any symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, it may cause the following symptoms:

1. A lump or swelling in the neck
2. Difficulty swallowing
3. Hoarseness or other voice changes
4. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
5. Pain in the neck or throat
6. Difficulty breathing

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away. Keep in mind that these symptoms can also be caused by other less serious conditions, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis.

Also Read: WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE INDIA FOR CANCER TREATMENT?

Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer

If your doctor suspects you have thyroid cancer, he will likely perform a physical exam and order one or more of the following tests:

1. Thyroid Ultrasound: This is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create an image of the thyroid gland.
2. Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy: This is a procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the thyroid gland to remove a sample of cells for examination under a microscope.
3. Blood Tests: These tests can help determine if the thyroid gland is functioning properly.
4. Imaging Tests: These tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, can help determine the size and location of the cancer.

If the tests confirm that you have thyroid cancer, your doctor may order additional tests to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.

Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

The treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health. The most common treatments include:

1. Surgery: The primary treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery to remove the cancerous thyroid gland. In some cases, only part of the thyroid gland needs to be removed. In more advanced cases, the entire thyroid gland may need to be removed, along with nearby lymph nodes.
2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy: After surgery, some patients may receive radioactive iodine therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
3. Hormone Replacement Therapy: After surgery, patients will need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy to replace the hormones that were previously produced by the thyroid gland.
4. Chemotherapy: In some cases, chemotherapy may be used to kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body. However, it is not typically used as a first-line treatment for thyroid cancer.
5. External Beam Radiation Therapy: This type of radiation therapy may be used in certain cases to treat thyroid cancer.

Also Read: WHAT IS THE SURVIVAL RATE OF ORAL CANCER?

Thyroid cancer is a relatively rare cancer, but it is important to be aware of this cancer because it can be successfully treated if caught early. There are several types of thyroid cancer, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. If you experience any symptoms of thyroid cancer, it is important to see your doctor right away. 

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most patients with thyroid cancer are able to make a full recovery. If you are located in Delhi and need treatment, you can look for the best thyroid hospital in Delhi with a team of experienced doctors and advanced treatment options.