Thyroid Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis

The thyroid gland it is in the middle of the neck and produces thyroid hormone. thyroid cancer occurs when the normal thyroid cells turn into abnormal cells and they grow out of control.

What are the symptoms?

In the beginning, you may not notice any symptoms, so it can be discovered due to the doctor performing a neck scan for another reason. When thyroid cancer causes symptoms, the most common is a growth called a "nodule" in the thyroid gland that could enlarge in a short time or grow more slowly.

The symptoms associated with thyroid cancer are:

• Hoarse voice or not being able to speak
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty to swallow
• Coughing up or coughing up blood

How can it be detected?

In the case of an enlarged thyroid gland, the doctor will carry out tests to confirm whether or not it is cancer (many times it is not).

Are diagnostic tests may include:

• Studies
• thyroid study- The person receives a pill or injection with a small amount of radioactive substance, then a special camera takes a picture of the thyroid gland.
• blood tests
• Needle aspiration: obtaining a small sample of growth cells with a thin needle, to later be observed under a microscope.

Types of thyroid cancer

exist different types of cancer thyroid, some more serious than others:

• Papillary Carcinoma
• Follicular carcinoma
• Medullary Carcinoma
• Anaplastic Carcinoma
• thyroid lymphoma

cancer staging

cancer staging allows doctors to determine if cancer has spread past the layer of tissue where it started and, if so, allows them to determine how much it spread.

The proper treatment It will largely depend on the type of thyroid cancer we have, the stage of the cancer and other health problems.

Types of thyroid cancer treatment

In most cases it is treated with surgery to remove it (part of the thyroid gland, or all). Nearby lymph nodes, which are organs that fight infection, may also be removed. It can also be used (pills or liquid) and is taken orally. It contains a small amount of radiation and can destroy much of the thyroid gland.

The thyroid hormone treatment It is started after surgery or radioactive iodine treatment. In this way, our body will have the correct amount of thyroid hormone.

Two other treatment routes they are radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

• - Uses high doses of X-rays, called radiation, to kill cancer cells. Radiation is emitted from a machine outside the body.
• : These are medicines that kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing.

thyroid cancer treatment requires many decisions to be made, so it is always a good idea to talk with our medical team about how we feel about treatment. It is essential to talk to your doctor about possible side effects or problems during treatment.

What happens after the treatment?

After the treatment, the doctor will perform tests regularly to see if the cancer comes back. Regular follow-up checkups include exams, blood tests, and imaging studies. We must also watch for symptoms mentioned above, as the presence of these may mean that the thyroid cancer has returned.

If it is discovered that the cancer has come back or spread, we may need to undergo surgery, radioactive iodine treatment, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy again.

• When thyroid cancer causes symptoms, the most common is a growth called a "nodule" in the thyroid gland.
• In the case of an enlarged thyroid gland, the doctor will carry out tests to confirm whether or not it is cancer (many times it is not).
• The appropriate treatment will largely depend on the type of thyroid cancer we have, the stage, and other health problems.

Remember that inMAPFRE We take care of your well-being and that of yours, that is why we offer you one with the best coverage so that you are always protected against any pathology or disease.

CALCULATE YOUR PRICE Dra. Alexandra Company Barceló

Family and Community Medicine Specialist