Types of Thyroid Cancer and Diagnosis?

Answer 1

Thyroid cancer is the general name given to found different types of cancer that start in the thyroid gland. Located in the front of the neck, the thyroid is found near the surface of the skin to either side of the Adam's Apple. Symptoms may differ by type of cancer, but they generally include an enlargement of the gland or lump that causes difficulty swallowing, persistent cough and hoarseness. Once the cancer begins to spread, it may lead to generalized neck swelling and other complicating symptoms depending on affected areas.

What are the Types of Thyroid Cancer?

The most common and easiest to treat form is papillary carcinoma. Around 80% of cases are this type, and it disproportionately affects childbearing-age women and all adults over the age of 45, though is not limited to these groups. Radiation exposure is a strong determinant in developing all cancers of the thyroid, but this form may also be due to genetic defect. As with other types, survival rates tend to be higher with early diagnosis and for younger patients. Lumps in the gland may be the only symptom.

Follicular carcinoma is the second most common form accounting for 10% of incidence. Follow-up radiation treatments after surgery are generally more aggressive, because this form is known to recur and spread rapidly. Anaplastic carcinoma and Medullary carcinoma are both rare and carry a poor prognosis.

How is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

There is no special screening for cancer of the thyroid besides the regular physical exam. Patients or the examining doctor will usually begin with blood tests based on noticing a lump on the gland or other symptoms. Once it is suspected, there are a number of specialized tests a doctor can perform to determine the exact type and stage of any cancer.

Treatment will likely begin with surgery to remove the affected areas of the gland. Since there is a risk of removing the attached parathyroid gland as well, doctors will often attempt to leave as much as possible. Since there is a risk of recurrence, oral or beam radiation therapy will be used to kill the remaining cells.