Thyroid Cancer

It is a type of cancer that occurs in the thyroid gland and usually originates from thyroid nodules. The most common symptoms include swelling in the neck area, difficulty swallowing, and voice changes. There are various types of thyroid cancer; papillary and follicular types are the most common. Diagnosis is made with ultrasound and fine needle aspiration, while treatment begins with surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods can positively affect the course of the disease.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

It is a type of cancer that occurs in the thyroid gland and has several different types. This cancer usually has a good prognosis. However, the characteristics and response to treatment of the different types vary. The four most common types are: papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic.

Papiller, tüm kanseri vakalarının %80’ini oluşturan en yaygın türdür. Genellikle yavaş büyüyen ve tedaviye iyi yanıt veren bu tür, daha çok 30-50 yaşları arasındaki kadınlarda görülür. Genellikle lenf düğümlerine yayılabilir, ancak erken evrede teşhis edildiğinde tedavi şansı yüksektir.

Foliküler, papillerden sonra en sık görülen ikinci türüdür ve %10-15 oranında teşhis edilir. Bu kanser türü de genellikle yavaş büyür ve tedavi edilebilir. Ancak foliküler, kemikler ve akciğerler gibi uzak organlara yayılma eğilimindedir.

Medullary, which constitutes %4 of thyroid cancers, develops from C cells in the thyroid gland. It can be seen both sporadically and familial (hereditary). It usually manifests itself with an imbalance of hormone levels. Early diagnosis is very important in hereditary cases.

Anaplastic is the rarest (%1) and most aggressive type. It usually grows and metastasizes rapidly, so treatment options are limited. Anaplastic cancer is more common in older individuals and can respond poorly to treatment. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the treatment methods used in this type. However, the prognosis is generally poor.

Thyroid cancer Early diagnosis can increase treatment success. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor when symptoms such as swelling in the neck area and difficulty swallowing are observed.

Thyroid Cancer Symptoms

It is a type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland. Its symptoms are usually not noticeable in the early stages. However, as the cancer progresses, some obvious symptoms may appear. If diagnosed early, it responds better to treatment. Therefore, it is important to be informed about the symptoms.

The most common symptom is a lump or mass in the front of the neck, in the area where the thyroid gland is located. This mass is usually painless and can grow rapidly once noticed. A lump in the neck is one of the earliest signs of the disease. It is caused by abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland.

Because the thyroid gland is located close to the vocal cords, cancer can put pressure on the vocal cords. This can cause hoarseness or voice changes. Associated hoarseness can be permanent and usually lasts for several weeks or longer.

A growing thyroid tumor can put pressure on the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing. This is especially noticeable in large or rapidly growing tumors. It is important to evaluate individuals who have difficulty swallowing.

If the thyroid gland becomes enlarged or cancerous, it can put pressure on the trachea, causing shortness of breath. A persistent, unexplained cough can also be a symptom.

Some patients may experience pain in the neck or throat. This pain can sometimes radiate to the ear. Neck pain usually occurs in advanced cases.

Thyroid cancer The symptoms can often be confused with other thyroid diseases. Therefore, it is important for people experiencing these symptoms to see a specialist and have a detailed evaluation. Early diagnosis greatly increases the success of treatment.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment

Thyroid cancer Treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, the patient's general health status and age. The vast majority of thyroid cancers diagnosed early can be completely cured with the right treatment.

The most common treatment is surgery. Surgery involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland. This procedure is called a "thyroidectomy." Depending on the extent or extent of the cancer, lymph nodes may also be removed.

Radioactive iodine therapy is used to destroy thyroid tissue after surgery or to prevent cancer from spreading. This treatment is administered in the form of a pill or liquid containing radioactive iodine, which is absorbed only by thyroid cells.

Treatment requires the use of thyroid hormone supplements after surgery. This hormone therapy provides the thyroid hormone the body needs. It also keeps thyroid-stimulating hormone levels low to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Radiotherapy is used for more aggressive types of cancer, such as anaplastic. Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. This treatment is often used after surgery or in cases where surgery is not possible.

Chemotherapy is rarely used, but it is used in aggressive types. Chemotherapy drugs are used to destroy cancer cells. However, side effects can be more common than other treatment methods.

Regular follow-up and check-ups are of great importance during the thyroid cancer treatment process. In order to reduce the risk of recurrence after treatment, the health status of the patients is closely monitored. Additional treatments are applied when necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment ensure successful control.