Facts, Symptoms, and Treatments of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help to regulate the body's metabolism.
Here are some facts about thyroid cancer:

• Thyroid cancer is relatively uncommon, making up about 2% of all cancers in the United States.
• The incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing in recent years, particularly among women.
• There are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers are the most common types and tend to have a better prognosis.
• Thyroid cancer can occur at any age, but it is more common in people over the age of 50.

Here are some common symptoms of thyroid cancer:

• A lump or swelling in the neck
• Pain in the neck or throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness or a change in the voice
• A persistent cough that is not due to a cold or other respiratory illness

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and not all thyroid cancers cause symptoms.

If thyroid cancer is suspected, a healthcare provider will typically order one or more tests to confirm the diagnosis, including a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, imaging tests, and blood tests.

Treatment for thyroid cancer typically involves surgery to remove the cancerous thyroid gland and any surrounding lymph nodes. Additional treatment may be needed, depending on the stage and type of thyroid cancer, including radioactive iodine therapy, external beam radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. It's important to work with a healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for your individual needs.