Understanding Thyroid with Cancer

1. By: Dr. Valeria Simone MD (Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA) Understanding Thyroid with Cancer

2. OVERVIEW Understanding thyroid with cancer, its signs, and treatment options is vital for anyone affected by this disease. Each year, thousands of people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a disease that starts in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your throat.

3. Key Takeaways • Thyroid cancer, originating in the thyroid gland, has various types including papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic, with differing prognoses and treatment necessities. • Diagnostic procedures play a critical role in thyroid cancer management, with routine check-ups, biopsies, and a grading system being essential for early detection and informing treatment decisions. • Treatment for thyroid cancer can involve surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, hormone replacement, targeted therapy, or radiation, with the choice largely dependent on the cancer type and stage, alongside continuous follow-up care.

4. Understanding Thyroid Cancer Thyroid cancer originates in the thyroid gland, which is situated at the base of the throat near the trachea. This gland is responsible for creating hormones that control vital bodily functions, including heart rate, body temperature, and weight. Thyroid cancer can be classified into several types, such as differentiated thyroid cancer (including papillary and follicular thyroid cancers), medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancers. The presence of thyroid cancer cells varies among these types.

5. Papillary Thyroid Cancer Papillary thyroid cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of all thyroid cancer cases, is the most prevalent type of thyroid tumor and represents most thyroid cancers. Although it generally grows slowly and is less likely to spread to other body parts, it tends to metastasize to the neck’s lymph nodes. Despite this, the odds of a full recovery are typically promising.

6. Follicular Thyroid Cancer Follicular thyroid cancer: • Represents 10% to 15% of all thyroid cancer cases in the United States • Less common than other types of thyroid cancer • Has the potential to spread to lymph nodes • Increased tendency to invade blood vessels

7. Medullary Thyroid Cancer Medullary thyroid cancer, a rare form of thyroid cancer, could have genetic implications. This necessitates unique treatment methods, such as a total thyroidectomy. Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Even though anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare, its aggressive nature results in it being responsible for almost 40% of thyroid cancer-related deaths, despite accounting for less than

8. Symptoms and Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer

9. Early detection of symptoms to diagnose thyroid cancer can facilitate more effective treatment and improve the prognosis. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include: • A painless lump or swelling in the neck • Difficulty swallowing • Hoarseness • Swollen neck glands • Breathing difficulties • A persistent cough unrelated to a cold • Fatigue • Neck pain

10. Common Symptoms Early stages of thyroid cancer usually don’t present noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, it can result in: • Pain • Swallowing difficulties • Swollen lymph nodes • Changes in voice • A painless neck lump

11. Diagnostic Tests Thyroid cancer can often be identified through routine blood tests and physical check-ups. Should a lump or nodule be detected, a biopsy is generally conducted to affirm the diagnosis. Grading System Thyroid cancer severity is assessed using a grading system, which also informs treatment decisions. The system classifies the disease into stages ranging from I to stage IV thyroid cancer.

12. Risk Factors of Thyroid Cancer Some factors can increase the risk of thyroid cancer. These factors should be taken into consideration for early detection and prevention. These include: • Age • Gender • Exposure to radiation • Certain inherited genetic syndromes

13. Thyroid Cancer Treatment Options

14. Several treatment options are available to treat thyroid cancer, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. These options include: • Surgery • Radioactive iodine therapy • Thyroid hormone replacement • Targeted therapy • External beam radiation therapy •

15. Thyroid Surgery Thyroid surgery serves as the primary treatmentin most thyroid cancer cases, aiming to eliminate the cancerous thyroid tissue. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, surgeons may remove the entire thyroid gland or just a portion of it. In certain instances, neck lymph nodes may also be excised during the procedure. Radioactive Iodine Therapy Radioactive iodine therapy presents a viable treatment option for certain thyroid cancer types, including papillary, follicular, and Hurthle cell thyroid cancers. This therapy, which employs radioactive iodine, effectively targets and eradicates cancerous thyroid cells, eliminating any residual cancerous cells post-surgery. Thyroid Hormone Replacement Post-thyroid removal surgery, patients typically require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement medication to compensate for the hormones the thyroid gland would have otherwise produced. Targeted Therapy Targeted therapy may be employed in cases of advanced or recurrent thyroid cancer. This treatment method uses drugs or other substances to specifically identify thyroid tumors and attack particular cancer cell types. External Beam Radiation Therapy Another common treatment and alternative for thyroid cancer is external beam radiation therapy, which utilizes high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It’s commonly used when other treatments prove ineffective.

16. Staging and Prognosis The cancer’s stage at diagnosis significantly affects the prognosis. Lower stages suggest localized thyroid cancer with a greater chance of responding to treatment, while higher stages point towards a more severe condition with a risk of the cancer spreading beyond the thyroid.

17. Recovery and Follow-Up Care Recovery duration post-thyroid cancer treatment is variable, influenced by factors like the patient’s age, tumor size, and the treatment type received. Regular follow-up appointments form a critical part of the recovery journey, enabling doctors to keep track of the patient’s health and detect any recurrence signs.

18. Recovery Time Post-treatment recovery time for thyroid cancer varies. Most patients typically notice improvements within 1-2 weeks after surgery. However, if radioactive iodine treatment is administered, the start of thyroid hormone therapy might be delayed until post-treatment, thus extending the recovery period to approximately 6 to 12 weeks. Side Effects Thyroid cancer treatment can lead to a range of side effects, contingent on the specific treatment administered. Common side effects include: • Neck pain • Sore throat • Difficulty swallowing • Hoarseness • Temporary voice changes • Thyroid hormone deficiency following surgery Follow-Up Appointments Regular follow-up appointments are vital for monitoring recurrence and managing persistent treatment side effects. These visits enable doctors to meticulously track the patient’s health and detect any potential signs of recurrence or complications early on.

19. Clinical Trials Thyroid cancer clinical trials provide patients with the opportunity to access novel treatments and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge to treat cancer. These studies explore innovative methods for disease prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment using thyroid hormones.

20. Coping and Support Dealing with a thyroid cancer diagnosis can be daunting. However, several resources can aid in managing the emotional, social, and financial impacts of the disease. Such resources include: Let’s explore more: Understanding Thyroid with Cancer - Southlake General Surgery

21. Make an Appointment If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, or if you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team at Southlake General Surgery is ready to assist you with your healthcare needs. For an appointment, you can reach out to us through our Make an Appointment or call our office directly at +1 (817) 748-0200. You can also make an online appointment. Our friendly and knowledgeable healthcare experts will guide you through the process, helping you choose a convenient time for your visit and answering any preliminary questions you may have. During your appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with one of our experienced specialists who will listen to your concerns, conduct necessary examinations, and discuss potential treatment options. Our goal is to ensure that you are fully informed and comfortable with your care and treatment plan. Remember, early detection and treatment are key when dealing with thyroid cancer. Don’t wait to seek help. Make an appointment today and take the first step towards better health.

22. Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Valeria Simone MD Board-certified General Surgeon at Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA. Follow us on Facebook and YouTube. Source: Understanding Thyroid with Cancer - Southlake General Surgery

23. THANK YOU! SOUTHLAKE GENERAL SURGERY 1545 E. Southlake Blvd, Suite 270 Southlake, TX 76092 EMAIL: info@southlakegeneralsurgery.com VISIT US AT: www.southlakegeneralsurgery.com