Signs & Causes of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the thyroid gland cells, located at the base of the neck. This gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. 

Although thyroid cancer is not as common as other types of cancer, it is important to understand the signs and causes of this condition. In this blog, we will explore the signs and causes of thyroid cancer and its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Signs of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer. However, some common thyroid cancer symptoms include the following:

1. Lump or Swelling in the Neck: One of the most common thyroid cancer symptoms is a lump or swelling in the neck. This lump may be painless or tender to the touch. It may also be hard or soft and move around when you swallow. You should see a doctor immediately if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck. This sign is also among the most common thyroid cancer symptoms in females.
2. Hoarseness or Difficulty Speaking: Thyroid cancer can affect the nerves that control the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness or difficulty speaking. You may notice a change in your voice or a persistent sore throat. If you experience any changes in your voice or difficulty speaking, you should see a doctor.
3. Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing: As the thyroid gland grows, it may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing. This is because the gland may press against the windpipe or food pipe, making it difficult for you to swallow or breathe. You should see a doctor if you experience difficulty swallowing or breathing.
4. Pain in the Neck or Throat: Thyroid cancer may also cause pain in the neck or throat. You may experience a dull ache or a sharp pain in your neck or throat. This pain may radiate to your ears or jaw. You should see a doctor if you experience any pain in your neck or throat.
5. Changes in Voice: Thyroid cancer can affect the nerves that control the vocal cords, leading to changes in your voice. You may notice that your voice becomes raspy or deeper than usual. If you experience changes in your voice, you should see a doctor. This symptom is even more common among thyroid cancer symptoms in females.

Thyroid Cancer Causes

The exact thyroid cancer causes are not fully known. However, these are the most common thyroid cancer causes:

1. Genetic Factors: Thyroid cancer may run in families. If you have a family history of thyroid cancer, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition.
2. Exposure to Radiation: Radiation exposure, especially in childhood, may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. This is because radiation can damage the DNA in thyroid cells, leading to cancer development.
3. Age: Thyroid cancer is more common in older adults. The risk of thyroid cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over 60.
4. Gender: Thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men. Women are three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men.
5. Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. An iodine deficiency may increase the risk of thyroid cancer.

Prevention of Thyroid Cancer 

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent thyroid cancer, there are several steps that you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease. These include:

Regular Checkups

One of the most important things you can do to prevent thyroid cancer is to schedule regular checkups with your doctor. During these checkups, your doctor can physically examine your neck and throat to look for any signs of lumps or swelling.

They may also order blood tests to check the levels of hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Catching thyroid cancer early is key to successful treatment, so staying up-to-date with your routine medical care is important.

Avoiding Exposure to Radiation

Radiation exposure is one of the most significant risk factors for thyroid cancer, so it's important to take steps to avoid unnecessary exposure. If you work in an industry that may expose you to radiation, follow all safety guidelines and wear protective equipment. Discuss the risks and benefits of radiation treatments for other medical conditions with your doctor.

Maintaining a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

While there is no direct link between diet and thyroid cancer, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can help reduce your overall cancer risk. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help provide your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Regular exercise can also help boost your immune system and reduce your cancer risk.

Seeking Medical Advice for Thyroid Issues

If you are experiencing any symptoms related to your thyroid gland, such as difficulty swallowing or hoarseness, it's important to seek medical advice right away. While these symptoms may not indicate thyroid cancer, they could be a sign of other thyroid-related issues that should be addressed. 

Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for any thyroid issues can help reduce your overall risk of developing thyroid cancer.

Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

The treatment of thyroid cancer will depend on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the overall health and preferences of the patient.

• Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer, and it involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland. If the cancer is limited to the thyroid gland, surgery may be curative, although further treatment may be necessary if the cancer has spread.
• Radioactive iodine therapy: This is another common treatment for thyroid cancer. This involves taking a dose of radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by any remaining thyroid tissue in the body. The radioactive iodine then destroys the thyroid tissue, including any cancer cells.
• External beam radiation therapy: This treatment involves using high-energy X-rays to target and destroys cancer cells. Chemotherapy is rarely used to treat thyroid cancer, as it is generally ineffective against this type of cancer.

Conclusion

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent thyroid cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk, such as regular checkups, avoiding unnecessary exposure to radiation, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking medical advice for any thyroid-related issues. By being proactive about your health and working with your doctor, you can reduce your risk of developing thyroid cancer and promote overall well-being. 

If you feel you may have thyroid cancer, consult with an expert Thyroid Specialist at Medanta Medicity Hospital immediately!