Thyroid cancer is cancer that occurs in the cells of the thyroid — a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. It is the 18th most common cancer in the world.
Whether you’re worried about developing thyroid cancer, or making decisions about treatment, this section will provide you with detailed and up-to-date information about the disease.
Get started by learning about thyroid cancer, the types of thyroid cancer, and the factors that play a role in causing it. If you are facing thyroid cancer, there is an outline of treatment options, which can help keep you informed.
Thyroid cancer generally doesn’t cause symptoms. In the rare cases where symptoms arise, they include:
The above symptoms can be caused by other conditions and do not necessarily mean you have thyroid cancer. However, if you are experiencing symptoms, see your doctor so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated.
Thyroid cancer is cancer that occurs in the cells of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is located under the Adam’s apple in front of the neck. Most cases of thyroid cancer can be cured.
The thyroid gland, which is made up of a right lobe and a left lobe, produces and secretes thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. Thyroid hormones play an important role in controlling such functions as body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and weight. An overactive thyroid can lead to hyperactivity, the "jitters," and an irregular heart rhythm, while an underactive thyroid will often cause fatigue and sluggishness.
Sometimes abnormal cells in the thyroid gland begin to grow uncontrollably, causing one or more nodules to form. The reason why this happens is unknown but according to Cancer Research UK , definite risk factors include radiation, a family history of thyroid cancer, being overweight and diabetes. Cancerous nodules can invade the tissues of the neck, spread to the surrounding lymph nodes, or to the bloodstream, and then to other parts of the body.
There are 4 types of thyroid cancer. These are:
To diagnose thyroid cancer, one or more of the following procedures may be used:
After thyroid cancer is found, your doctors will discuss your treatment options with you. Your thyroid cancer treatment options depend on the type of your thyroid cancer, your overall health and your preferences. Your treatment plan may include:
In many cases, it is not possible to prevent thyroid cancer. Doctors aren't sure what causes most cases of thyroid cancer, so there's no known way to fight against thyroid cancer in those who have an average risk of the disease. In some cases, however, there are some measures that can be taken:
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