COMPLETE AND COMPREHENSIVE Thyroid Cancer

There are numerous types of thyroid cancer which include::

• Papillary thyroid cancer: It is among the most common type, accounting, and often develops gradually, and is treatable. 
• Follicular thyroid cancer: This type spreads to other body parts more often than papillary thyroid cancer.
• Medullary thyroid cancer: It is rare and evolves from the C cells of the thyroid gland. 
• Anaplastic thyroid cancer: It is the most complex and difficult-to-treat type of thyroid cancer. It grows very fast and spreads rapidly as well to other tissues and organs.

Thyroid cancer symptoms might differ depending on its type and stage but some of the common symptoms include: 

• Tiredness 
• Appetite loss 
• Unintentional weight loss 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing 
• Loss of voice or hoarseness 
• Swollen lymph nodes

Healthcare experts aren’t certain about the causes of thyroid cancer causes but there are some risk factors that enhance the risk such as: 

• Family history 
• Enlarged thyroid 
• Gene mutations 
• Low intake of iodine 
• Obesity 
• Radiation therapy 
• Exposure to environmental factors

When a patient experiences thyroid cancer symptoms, healthcare experts start the diagnosis by understanding the medical and family history. To confirm a thyroid cancer diagnosis, the following tests are usually ordered: 

• Blood tests- To check hormonal levels and proper functioning of the thyroid gland 
• Biopsy- Helps in understanding if cancer has spread to lymph nodes 
• Radioiodine scan- Confirm the diagnosis and detects if cancerous cells have spread to other parts 
• Imaging scans- These involves computed tomography (CT scan) and positron emission tomography (PET)

Thyroid cancer treatment options depend on several factors which include cancer stage and its type, also the individual's overall health. Here are some of the primary treatment options followed for thyroid cancer include:

• Surgery: In certain cases, surgery might be recommended after understanding the condition's extent, tumor size, location, and if it has spread to other lymph nodes. A total thyroidectomy (removal of the entire thyroid gland) is performed to treat thyroid cancer.
• Radioactive iodine therapy: Also known as I-131 therapy, it is used after surgery for destroying remaining cancerous cells. It involves swallowing a radioactive iodine pill. 
• External beam radiation therapy: This treatment option involves directing high-energy beams of radiation to the affected area. It is recommended in some cases like when cancer has spread to nearby tissues or when cancerous cells are there even after surgery.
• Chemotherapy: It is not often recommended to treat thyroid cancer. However, it is considered in cases of anaplastic thyroid cancer, as it is difficult to treat. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs for killing cancer cells or inhibiting their growth.
• Targeted drug therapy: This treatment option involves the use of drugs targeting certain molecules or pathways linked to the growth of cancerous cells.
• Surveillance and hormone therapy: Doctors might recommend synthetic thyroid hormone replacement medication (levothyroxine) after surgery to the patient for the rest of their lives. It helps in replacing the hormones that the thyroid would normally produce.

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• Highly qualified and experienced cardiologists
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