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The thyroid is a butterfly shaped organ positioned in the front of the neck below the voice box. The thyroid gland produces important hormones that work toward the normal metabolism of the body. The follicular cells of the thyroid affect an individual's heart rate, energy level, and body temperature. C cells in the thyroid regulate the amount of calcium in the body. Thyroid cancer originates in the thyroid gland. Four types of thyroid cancer exist, which include papillary, medullary, follicular, and anaplastic.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer can begin in the follicular or C cells, depending on the type of thyroid cancer an individual develops. Majority of thyroid cancer patients are diagnosed with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer. Most individuals are successfully treated because most types of thyroid cancer are slow to grow and spread to other organs. Patients have the best chance of survival when the cancer stays in the thyroid. Medullary and anaplastic account for a very small percentage of thyroid cancer cases. Anaplastic is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer.

Symptoms

Early stages of thyroid cancer do not produce symptoms, but symptoms manifest as the cancer begins to grow. Common symptoms include a lump or mass in the front of the neck close to the Adam's apple, hoarseness or difficulty speaking, pain in the neck or throat, or swollen lymph nodes located in the neck. These symptoms can also be associated with an infection, a benign goiter or another issue associated with the thyroid.

Treatments

The type of treatment recommended depends on the severity and specific type of thyroid cancer found in an individual. The most common type of treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery. The thyroid and any infected lymph nodes are removed during the surgery. A surgeon may recommend a lobectomy for certain patients, in which the lobe with the cancerous nodule is removed. Most patients must take thyroid hormone pills after having part or all of their thyroid removed.

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Q: Understanding the Symptoms and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer?
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Related questions

What happens if thyroid nodules are cancerous?

You will need treatment for cancer.


What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?

There are many symptoms for a thyroid cancer like a lump on your neck or a nodule; if you have pain swallowing or chronic neck pains, but its always important to get it professionally checked by a physician.


What are long term symptoms of thyroid cancer that has metastisized to lungs thyroid was removed 7 years ago?

Do a search for the effects of Lung Cancer. The original source (Thyroid) is immaterial.


What are the thyroid cancer symptoms during its early stages?

Symptoms of thyroid cancer are a lump in the neck, changes to the voice such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, pain in the neck and throat, and swollen lymph nodes.


Are there common symptoms of thyroid cancer that I should look into?

There are several common symptoms associated with thyroid cancer. A lump in your neck, voice hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty breathing, and pains in the neck are five common symptoms.


What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?

Treatment depends on the type of cancer and its stage. Four types of treatment are used: surgical removal, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.


What is Thyroid Cancer and How Can It Be Treated and Prevented?

What is thyroid cancer?The thyroid is a gland that is located in the throat. It is responsible for producing hormones that control things such as breathing, metabolism, heartbeat and temperature. Thyroid cancer occurs when the cells in the thyroid gland begin to grow and divide abnormally.< /p>What are some of the symptoms of thyroid cancer?People who are in the early stages of thyroid cancer usually will not show any signs or symptoms. As this condition progresses, a person may experience difficulty swallowing, increased hoarseness in their voice and swollen lymph nodes. People who notice any symptoms should see a physician immediately.< h4> What causes thyroid cancer? Doctors have not been able to identify the exact cause of thyroid cancer. However, they do believe that a genetic mutation can increase a person's risk of developing it. They also believe that there is a link between radiation and exposure and thyroid cancer.What are some of the treatments available for thyroid cancer?Most people with thyroid cancer will have to get all or part of their thyroid removed. The physician may also elect to remove the lymph nodes in the neck. People who get their thyroid removed will have to a medication such as Levothroid and Synthroid. These medications supply the body with the hormones that thyroid normally produces.Radioactive Iodine treatment may also be recommended after a patient gets his thyroid remove. Radioactive Iodine is given in the form of capsule or liquid and it helps destroy the cancer that was not removed during the surgery. This procedure may also be recommended for people whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body.What can be done to prevent thyroid cancer?There really is not anything that can be done to prevent thyroid cancer. People who are at an increased risk for developing thyroid cancer because of their family history should see a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor may recommend that a person get his thyroid removed.


How serious is lumps on thyroid gland?

The great majority of thyroid nodules aren't serious and don't cause symptoms. Thyroid cancer accounts for only a small percentage of thyroid nodules.


The Warning Signs Of Thyroid Cancer?

The thyroid is located right below the adam's apple, at the base of the neck. The thyroid's main function is to create hormones that regulate the body's temperature, weight and metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure. Thyroid cancer occurs when the cells in the thyroid mutate and become cancerous. The cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, however, there are risk factors that make some people more susceptible to developing it. Also, thyroid cancer symptoms can be hard to spot, and are only noticed when the disease has progressed. The chances of women getting thyroid cancer is three times more likely than men. Having a family history of goiter, which is the enlargement of the thyroid gland, can cause a person to be at risk of getting thyroid cancer. Another risk factor is if there is a history of having thyroid cancer in the family. Also, being exposed to radiation at high levels have shown to cause thyroid cancer. Older people and Caucasians are more likely to get thyroid cancer than any other age or race. Although thyroid cancer does not manifest with many signs and symptoms during the early stages, as it gets larger, there are several symptoms that show up. As the tumor grows, it can press on the voice box and cause hoarseness or other voice changes. People can also experience difficulty in swallowing, and often accompanied by pain in the throat or neck. Thyroid cancer can also be detected when a person notices a nodule or visible bump on their neck. Because thyroid cancer is not common in the United States, doctors will most likely try to find other reasons for the symptoms. If thyroid cancer is suspected, a biopsy is done to the nodule to determine if it is benign or is indeed cancerous. When the symptoms do point to thyroid cancer, the customary treatment is surgery. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are other treatments that are used. If the cancer has not spread, there is a large chance of success. Survival rates vary depending on how large the tumor was, the person's age, and whether it has spread. For the most part, long-term survival rates are high for people who develop thyroid cancer.


What exactly is thyroid cancer and what causes it?

Thyroid cancer is cancer of the thyroid gland which is part of the body's endrocine system. There is really no means of prevention of cancer other than diet, excercise and maintaing a non-smoking lifestyle.


What thyroid hormones are bond to thyroglobulin?

The American Thyroid Association says thyroglobulin (Tg) is a protein produced by normal thyroid cells and also thyroid cancer cells. This test is most often used for patients who have had surgery for thyroid cancer because it helps monitor them after treatment.


Can you get cancer in the thyroid?

T3 (Triiodothyronine) tests are useful in diagnosing hyperthyroidism and the severity of it. This is because patients who are hyperthyroid have an elevated T3 level. The American Thyroid Association says thyroglobulin (Tg) is a protein produced by normal thyroid cells and also thyroid cancer cells. This test is most often used for patients who have had surgery for thyroid cancer because it helps monitor them after treatment.