Table of Contents
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is cancer that begins in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. It makes thyroid hormones that help control the body’s metabolism (the way the body uses energy). Thyroid cancer is a rare cancer. It is more common in women than in men.
There are different types of thyroid cancer. The most common type is papillary thyroid cancer. This type starts in the cells that line the thyroid gland. Other types of thyroid cancer include follicular thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
The cause of thyroid cancer is not known. However, there are some things that may increase the risk of getting thyroid cancer. These include having a family history of thyroid cancer, being exposed to radiation, and having a goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland).
Thyroid cancer is usually diagnosed with a neck ultrasound, a thyroid scan, or a biopsy. Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type of cancer, the size of the tumor, and the stage of the cancer. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Thyroid cancer is a rare cancer. However, it is the most common type of cancer in the thyroid gland. The cause of thyroid cancer is not known. However, there are some things that may increase the risk of getting thyroid cancer. These include having a family history of thyroid cancer, being exposed to radiation, and having a goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland).
Thyroid cancer is usually diagnosed with a neck ultrasound, a thyroid scan, or a biopsy. Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type of cancer, the size of the tumor, and the stage of the cancer. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Types of Thyroid Cancer
There are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic.
Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all thyroid cancers. This type of cancer begins in the papillary cells, which are the most common type of cells in the thyroid.
Follicular thyroid cancer is the next most common type, making up about 10-15% of all thyroid cancers. This type of cancer begins in the follicular cells, which are the cells that produce thyroid hormones.
Medullary thyroid cancer is the third most common type, making up about 5-10% of all thyroid cancers. This type of cancer begins in the medullary cells, which are the cells that produce calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate calcium levels in the body.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the most rare type, making up about 1-2% of all thyroid cancers. This type of cancer begins in the anaplastic cells, which are the cells that produce thyroid hormones.
Signs That Thyroid Cancer Has Spread
There is no one definitive sign that thyroid cancer has spread, but some general signs that may suggest the cancer has metastasized include:
The presence of enlarged lymph nodes near the thyroid gland
The presence of a lump or mass in another part of the body
The development of pain or swelling in other parts of the body
A sudden increase in the size of the thyroid gland
Changes in the voice, such as becoming hoarse
A rapid increase in the number of white blood cells
A fever that does not go away
The appearance of new neurological symptoms, such as headaches, seizures, or problems with balance or coordination
Chest pain
