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The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck region. It prepares the hormones thyroxin, triiodothyronine, and calcitonin (T3) that reach every organ and cell in the body through blood circulation. These hormones are necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. 

They are particularly involved in energy production & calcium metabolism and help keep the body warm. They also support the functioning of various other organs, such as the brain, heart, and muscles. Like other organs, it also experiences abnormal growth or cancers. Our comprehensive guide about cancer is a must-read article. Visit us to read it.

What is thyroid cancer? 

During cancer, abnormal cells grow inside the body, often at an exponential rate. Four types of thyroid cancer occur in the body: anaplastic, medullary, follicular, and papillary. The nature of treatment and the gravity of the situation depends upon the type of cancer. Small nodules on the thyroid glands don't cause symptoms at the start. 

The presence of a module in the form of a smaller bump is the very first sign. There is no chance that a person can note it on its own; it is pointed out by a doctor during a physical examination and using CT scans and X-rays. No treatment or specific care is needed as these nodules are non-cancerous or benign in 90% of the cases. 

Pictures of Thyroid Cancer

Causes of thyroid cancer 

There are no known causes, and the scientific community is still debating the causes of these cancers. However, some factors increase the risk and make a person more susceptible to this condition. 

These include generic conditions, e.g., MEN2B, MEN2A and FMTC, a familial history of thyroid cancers and related conditions, a history of having goitre, Asian origin and being female, having a middle age, particularly in the group 25-60 years, on a low iodine diet and had radiation therapy on or around the neck in the childhood. We discussed the definition, symptoms, risk factors, and cancer treatment in an article. Check out our page for the full article.

Noticeable symptoms later on 

As thyroid cancer advances, some symptoms appear, e.g., a fast-growing swelling or lump in the neck, pain in the front part of the neck that moves upwards, hoarseness or constant coughing without any known cause, and trouble swallowing or breathing. These symptoms are nevertheless also present in many other conditions, and it is advised to consult the doctor. 

Diagnostic approach  

First, a thorough physical examination and analysis of the family history are needed. Doctors often use a procedure known as laryngoscopy, in which a smaller and thin camera is inserted into the throat to identify the problems. Later, a CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI scan is used to confirm the diagnosis. 

Occasionally, doctors go for a biopsy in which a small portion of the lump is sent to the laboratory to check for the presence of cancer cells and establish the stage of cancer whose diagnosis is confirmed. 

Differentiated cancers 

Many types of thyroid cancer are differentiated, which means their cells look similar to normal cells. In this type, the capillaries grow in one of the thyroid lobes. This type of thyroid cancer is successfully treated, although it sometimes spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck. Iodine deficiency in the diet is one of the major causes. 

Anaplastic cancer  

This type of cancer is very rare and accounts for just 2-3% of cases of thyroid cancers, and most of these patients are older women. It spreads quickly to the neck and other parts of the body. It is an undifferentiated type because the cells are far different from the normal cells. It is difficult to treat, and in rare cases, it grows from follicular or papillary cancer. 

Medullary thyroid cancer 

It starts from the C cells of the thyroid gland and spreads quickly to the lymph nodes, liver, and lungs before it is noted. It is a sporadic type and doesn't run in families. Familial MCT, which runs from parents to the offspring, is less common and accounts for less than 25-29% of the cases. The familial type develops in young adults and even in children and develops in both lobes of the thyroid gland. 

Treatment options  

Surgery is the first and probably the last line of treatment for thyroid cancer. During surgery, a surgeon removes part or all of the gland, depending upon the type of cancer and its stage. However, when the tumour is large and grows inside the body, targeted therapy targeting specific cancerous cells, e.g., radioactive iodine, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy is suggested. 

Aftercare treatment 

Even after the surgeries and other treatments are successful, doctors recommend a follow-up to determine whether the cancer has returned. So, it is advised to visit the doctor, particularly an oncologist, to review the condition and discuss returning or more symptoms. Follow-up is necessary as these cancers grow back quickly, some as late as 10-20 years after treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

Is the thyroid gland visible to the naked eye? 

Thyroid cancer develops slowly without any clinical signs. However, some people notice a lump or a mass in the neck that is often painful. 

Is thyroid cancer lump soft or hard? 

The lump in the neck usually feels harder and grows only slowly. It is not painful in most patients. Rapidly growing, large, firm, and aggressive cancers of the thyroid gland are rare. 

What is the cure rate for thyroid cancer? 

A complete cure is often not possible in stage IV, but many types of thyroid cancers have a cure rate of 100% in the previous stages (I to III). So, you are advised to get treatment as early as possible. If you want to know how long you can have thyroid cancer without knowing, visit our informative blog titled, 'How long can you have thyroid cancer without knowing?'.

What is the end stage of thyroid cancer? 

Stage IV is the end stage of thyroid cancer. It is a metastatic type in which the cancer spreads to the nearby lymph nodes and many distant organs and sites. By this stage, treatment becomes very difficult. 

What are the TSH levels in thyroid cancers? 

TSH levels significantly increase in malignant nodules than in benign nodules, and the occurrence of malignant cancers increases with an increase in TSH levels. 

What is the death rate due to thyroid cancer? 

According to a study published in the Frontiers in Oncology in 2022, there were 586,202 cases of thyroid cancer in the World, with approximately 43,646 deaths. Treatments are often very successful, and there were just 230 deaths due to thyroid cancer in females and 170 in males in 2017-19 (Cancer Research UK).

Bottom-line 

To identify the signs of thyroid illness and cancers, it is essential to recognize important changes in the neck region and have nodules or lumps in the area. Many growths in the thyroid glands are not cancerous. Still, it is necessary to consult healthcare professionals in case of persistent neck or throat pain, hoarseness, and unusual swelling. 

The visual references in this article are valuable, particularly for a healthcare provider, and help to make a presumptive diagnosis. The final diagnosis needs advanced imaging techniques, e.g., CT scan, X-rays, and MRI. A proper diagnosis and early detection increase the chances of survival, so it is recommended to visit the healthcare provider for a neck examination regularly. 

Our Thyroid Blood Test is a valuable tool that detects the levels of important thyroid hormones, e.g., thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH),

free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) and helps diagnose thyroid cancers. Check our page to get your test kit.