Thyroid cancer is characterized by the formation of malignant cells within the tissues of the thyroid gland. According to the Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology, approximately 600,000 cases were reported globally in 2020, ranking it as the 10th most prevalent cancer. This type of cancer originates in the thyroid gland, situated at the front of the neck adjacent to the windpipe. The thyroid is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Due to the often asymptomatic nature of the disease, early detection can be challenging. On this World Cancer Day, it is important to increase awareness about thyroid cancer and its potential to remain undiagnosed.

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a form of cancer that leads to uncontrolled cell growth within the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the throat. This gland is an integral part of the endocrine system, which produces hormones essential for regulating various bodily functions. The hormones produced by the thyroid play a vital role in managing metabolism and energy levels. In cases of thyroid cancer, the cells in the gland exhibit abnormal growth, resulting in the formation of a lump or tumor. While it can affect individuals of any gender, it is notably more prevalent in women, occurring nearly three times more frequently than in men. It ranks as the fifth most common cancer among women worldwide and in the United States, as reported by StatPearls.

What causes thyroid cancer?

The precise cause of thyroid cancer remains largely unknown. Several factors may contribute to its development, including family history, exposure to high levels of radiation, and genetic mutations. Additionally, long-term iodine deficiency can also lead to the onset of this cancer. Lifestyle choices and environmental influences are significant factors that may further impact the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer cause is not found. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Symptoms of thyroid cancer

Most thyroid cancers are asymptomatic but some can cause symptoms, which may vary from person to person. The symptoms may include:

• Lump in your throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Persistent neck pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Fatigue
• Noticeable voice changes
• Tight feeling in the neck

The intensity and severity of these symptoms can differ based on various factors like stage or health status. These symptoms often go unnoticed at an early stage, making it difficult to detect early on. Do not ignore these symptoms and immediately consult a doctor for timely intervention.

What are the risk factors for thyroid cancer?

Certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing thyroid cancer. This can include risk factors like:

• Being a female, as this condition is more common in women, especially those around the age group of 20 to 55.
• People with a family history of genetic conditions or thyroid in general should be cautious, as they are more likely to develop it too.
• Having been exposed to high levels of radiation during childhood, such as from X-rays or radiation therapy.
• Having thyroid conditions like goiter (an enlarged thyroid) or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
• Being overweight or obese.

Genetics can contribute to this cancer in about 2 out of 10 people with medullary thyroid cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Types of thyroid cancer

It is rare, but it is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. There are 7 main types of thyroid cancer:

• Papillary cancer
• Follicular cancer
• Hurthle cell cancer
• Sporadic medullary cancer
• Familial medullary cancer
• Anaplastic cancer
• Thyroid lymphoma

Thyroid cancer can cause pain! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

It is crucial to detect it at its early stage before it becomes life-threatening. Thyroid cancer is typically diagnosed with the help of a few tests such as physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests. Your doctor may assess your condition and look for any type of lump or inflammation in the neck. The blood tests can help understand whether your thyroid gland is functioning properly or not. Diagnostic tests like ultrasound or biopsy can provide valuable information about your thyroid gland and significantly detect any abnormal cell activities. Imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs are equally important as they help identify if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body for timely intervention.

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