More about Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system. The endocrine system produces hormones that regulate the normal functions of the body. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the throat. It has a left and right lobe. The isthmus is the part of the thyroid gland where the lobes connect. The thyroid makes the hormone thyroxine, which helps the body regulate: Metabolism, Blood pressure, Heart rate, Body temperature, Body weight. Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine cancer. Diagnosis is on the rise in the United States. This may be because it has become easier to find the disease.

Types

Thyroid cancers are relatively uncommon. In the United States, it’s the tenth most common type of cancer. It’s about one-tenth as common as breast cancer, and one-fifth as common as lung cancer. Thyroid cancers are classified according to the appearance of the cancerous cells. Cancerous cells that look like healthy cells are called well-differentiated cells. Well-differentiated cells grow at a slower rate than undifferentiated cells. The types of thyroid cancer include: Papillary thyroid cancer – Papillary thyroid cancer is a well-differentiated form of thyroid cancer. It’s the most common type. It’s most often seen in women of childbearing age. Papillary thyroid cancer is less dangerous than the other types. It spreads slower, and it’s very treatable. Medullary thyroid cancer – Medullary thyroid cancer is another well-differentiated form of thyroid cancer. Some cases of medullary thyroid cancer have a genetic component. This can cause it to occur as part of a syndrome of endocrine gland cancers. Cases without a genetic component are said to be “sporadic.” Medullary thyroid cancer arises in non-thyroid cells located in the thyroid gland. It’s treated differently than other forms of thyroid cancer. Follicular thyroid cancer – Follicular thyroid cancer is the type of thyroid cancer most likely to spread and recur. Hurthle cell cancer is a type of follicular cancer. Anaplastic thyroid cancer – Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer. It’s rare and difficult to treat. Thyroid lymphoma – This is a rare type of thyroid cancer. It begins in immune cells located within the thyroid gland.

Symptoms

Early thyroid cancer has no symptoms. You won’t be able to feel your thyroid gland if it’s healthy. As thyroid cancer progresses, the following symptoms may occur: A lump in the throat, A cough, Hoarseness, Pain in the throat and neck, Difficulty swallowing, Swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.