Thyroid Cancer
Description of thyroid cancer
Thyroid Cancer – the formation of cancer cells in the thyroid gland. This gland is located in front of the neck and produces thyroid hormones. Thyroid Tumors cancer is often manifested in the form of nodules in the neck. In most cases, thyroid tumors are not cancerous. Nonetheless, some of them are cancerous and can spread throughout the body.
There are several types of thyroid cancer, including:
- Papillyarnыy cancer (the most common type) – tumor usually grows very slowly, and often spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck. When detected at an early stage, this type of thyroid cancer can be cured;
- Follikulârnaâ cancer (the second most common type of cancer) – tumor usually grows only in the thyroid gland, very rarely spread to other parts of the body – lungs and bones. Follicular carcinoma usually does not extend to the lymph nodes. When detected at an early stage, this type of thyroid cancer generally is curable;
- Anaplastičeskaâ cancer (a rare form of thyroid cancer) – swelling rapidly penetrates in the neck and other parts of the body, and often leads to death;
- Cerebral (medullary) thyroid cancer (MPMS) – This cancer develops from cells of the thyroid gland. MTC often spreads to the lymph nodes, lungs, the liver directly to the detection of thyroid cancer. There are two types of MTC:
- Sporadic MTC;
- Family medullary thyroid cancer (SMRŜŽ);
- Lymphoma of the thyroid gland (a rare type of thyroid cancer) – It occurs in people, bolynыh tireoiditom Hashimoto.
Causes of thyroid cancer
Causes of thyroid cancer is unknown.
Risk factors for thyroid cancer
Factors, which increases the risk of thyroid cancer:
- A diet low in iodine;
- Radiation therapy to the head, neck or chest, especially in infancy or childhood;
- A family history of thyroid cancer;
- Paul: female;
- Age: 30 and older;
- Exposure to radioactive materials (eg, exposure to radiation from nuclear accidents or accommodation in the region of the nuclear test site).
Symptoms of thyroid cancer
The symptoms of thyroid cancer include:
- Tumors in the neck;
- Pain in the neck (sometimes it comes to the ears);
- Hoarseness;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Labored breathing;
- Persistent cough;
- Extended lymph nodes in the neck.
Diagnosis of thyroid cancer
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, perform a physical examination, which includes examination of the neck, to find tumors.
Your doctor may order the following tests:
- Needle biopsy of the thyroid gland;
- Blood test;
- X-ray examination of the thyroid gland;
- US;
- Biopsy Thyroid.
Treatment of thyroid cancer
Once detected, thyroid cancer, appointed Tests, allowing to determine the extent of its spread. Treatment options include:
- Thyroidectomy – removing all or part of the thyroid gland;
- Treatment with radioactive iodine – uses large doses of radioactive iodine, to destroy the cancer cells of the thyroid gland, without affecting other organs;
- External radiation therapy – radiation is directed at the tumor from a source outside the body;
If diagnosed with thyroid cancer, Follow your doctor's instructions.
Prevention of thyroid cancer
Because the exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, Detection and treatment of the disease in the early stages – the best way to prevent the disease from Smer. The doctor may recommend a different screening tests:
- The revision of the thyroid every three years – for those aged 20-39 years;
- Thyroid examination each year – for those aged 40 and older.
Since radiation exposure is a major risk factor for thyroid cancer, necessary:
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation;
- When exposed to radiation in the region of the head, neck or chest, you need to take frequent examinations for early detection of thyroid cancer.
