Cases of thyroid cancer are increasing rapidly among young people. In women more often than in men, the cancer begins in the thyroid gland and develops gradually. There are rarely early signs of this cancer. Fatigue, changes in skin, hair and nails can be some of the signs. Thyroid cancer usually causes a lump at the base of the neck, swollen lymph nodes, voice changes, and difficulty swallowing. (Also read: How exposure to artificial light at night may increase the risk of thyroid cancer)
A Research Gate report states that the relative increase in thyroid cancer incidence in women is 121% in the under 30 age group, 107% in the 30 to 44 age group, 50% in the 45 to 59 age group year-olds, was 15%. in the 60-74 age group and 27% in the 75 age group. Similarly, the under 45 age group saw the largest relative increase in thyroid cancer incidence. Overdiagnosis is the likely cause of the alarming rise in thyroid cancer cases in India.
“Thyroid cancer incidence and prevalence rates have been increasing across all cancer types, not only globally but also in India. The thyroid gland, which produces hormones and is located near the base of the neck, is affected by thyroid cancer. Studies conducted worldwide in the last 35 years have shown a threefold increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer. Women are almost four times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men. Because high-income countries provide the most evidence of an increase in thyroid cancer, this phenomenon is typically considered a problem in developed nations. Thyroid cancer is the second most common cancer after breast cancer in women aged 35-60,” Dr. Niti Raizada, Director – Medical Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, Fortis Group of Hospitals, Bangalore told HT Digital.
dr Raizada also explains in detail about thyroid cancer, its types, causes, symptoms and treatment.
What is thyroid cancer
Irregular cell growth that starts in the thyroid gland is called thyroid cancer. At the base of the throat, near the trachea (trachea) is a gland called the thyroid. It has right and left lobes and is shaped like a butterfly. The two lobes are connected by the isthmus, a thin section of tissue. A normal thyroid is about the size of a quarter. It is not usually detectable through the skin. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate body weight, blood pressure, heart rate, blood flow, body temperature, and other factors.
Types of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer can take several forms, namely:
• Differentiated thyroid cancer, which includes well-differentiated, poorly differentiated, and undifferentiated tumors
• Anaplastic thyroid cancer
• Medullary thyroid cancer (a neuroendocrine tumor that develops in thyroid C cells. A hormone [calcitonin] is produced by the C-cells, which helps maintain healthy levels of calcium in the blood.)
While some forms of thyroid cancer can be very aggressive, most develop slowly.
Who is at risk for thyroid cancer?
Women are more likely to have thyroid problems than men, which is likely due to the different role of hormones in women and men. According to experts, estrogen could play a role in this. Normal levels of estrogen are higher in women’s bodies.
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
Symptoms of thyroid cancer develop gradually. Most thyroid cancers have no early warning signs or symptoms. The most typical is fatigue. Changes in hair, nails, or skin may appear, along with other vague ailments that may be brought on by aging, poor diet, stress, or a number of other circumstances.
Thyroid cancer can cause:
• A lump (lump) on the neck that can be felt through the skin
• Voice change
• have difficulty swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Sore throat and neck
Diagnosis for thyroid cancer
When a woman discovers a lump at the base of her neck, or when a doctor finds a thyroid lesion on an X-ray or CT scan, the next diagnostic test is usually a laboratory exam, followed by an ultrasound, which provides a lot of information about the lump.
According to doctors, small nodules should be closely monitored. A procedure called fine-needle aspiration can be used to examine larger growths. The doctor takes a cell sample from the nodule and examines it under the microscope.
treatment of thyroid cancer
Many treatment options are available to patients with thyroid cancer. Various treatments, including some standard treatments, are being tested in clinical trials (currently used treatments). A treatment clinical trial is a study conducted to learn about potential new cancer treatments or to improve current therapies for cancer patients. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is more effective than the current one, the standard treatment can be substituted. Patients may consider participating in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials are only open to people who have not yet started treatment.
Pay attention to repetition
Women should watch out for cancer recurrence. Monitoring for a recurrence, which indicates the cancer has returned, is a purpose of follow-up care. Small clusters of cancer cells in the body go undiagnosed, which can lead to the cancer recurring. Over time, these cells could multiply to the point where they show up in test results or cause symptoms.
Some patients may have imaging tests or blood tests as part of routine follow-up, but the best course of action depends on a number of variables, including the type and stage of the cancer initially identified and the type of treatment used.
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