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What are thyroid tumors?
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck at the base of the throat. Thyroid tumors are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) growths. Examples of benign tumors are adenomas, which secrete thyroid hormone. Malignant tumors are more rare and are more common in women than in men. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), about 37,340 cases of thyroid cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 2008.
What are thyroid adenomas?
Thyroid adenomas grow from the cell layer that lines the inner surface of the thyroid gland. The adenoma itself secretes thyroid hormone. If the adenoma secretes enough thyroid hormone, it may cause hyperthyroidism. Thyroid adenomas may be treated if they cause hyperthyroidism. Treatment may include surgery to remove part of the thyroid (the overactive nodule).
What are cancerous thyroid tumors?
Cancer of the thyroid occurs more often in people who have undergone radiation to the head, neck, or chest. However, most thyroid cancer can be cured with appropriate treatment. Thyroid cancer usually appears as small growths (nodules) within the thyroid gland. Some signs that a nodule may be cancerous include:
• presence of a single nodule rather than multiple nodules
• thyroid scan reveals the nodule is not functioning
• nodule is solid instead of filled with fluid (cyst)
• nodule is hard
• nodule grows fast
What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?
The first sign of a cancerous nodule in the thyroid gland is a painless lump in the neck.
However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Other symptoms may include:
• hoarseness or loss of voice as the cancer presses on the nerves to the voice box
• difficulty swallowing as the cancer presses on the throat
However, the symptoms of thyroid cancer may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Diagnosis of thyroid cancer:
In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for thyroid cancer may include:
• thyroid scan
• ultrasound
• biopsy - taking a sample of the nodule with a needle for examination under a microscope
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papillary thyroid cancer |
Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common form of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80 percent of all cases. This form of thyroid cancer affects more women than men. Treatment for papillary cancer usually involves:
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follicular thyroid cancer |
Follicular thyroid cancer occurs most often among individuals between 20 and 60 years of age and accounts for about 10 percent of thyroid cancer cases. This type of thyroid cancer is more aggressive and tends to spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Treatment for follicular cancer may include:
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anaplastic thyroid cancer |
Anaplastic thyroid cancer tends to occur most often among women and accounts for less than 2 percent of thyroid cancer cases. This quick-growing cancer usually results in a large growth in the neck. Many patients diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer may die within one year of diagnosis. Treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer may include:
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medullary thyroid cancer |
Medullary thyroid cancer tends to spread through the lymphatic system (which is part of the immune system and consists of a system of vessels that connect lymphs throughout the body) and the bloodstream to other parts of the body. This type of cancer produces excessive amounts of calcitonin, a hormone also produced by the thyroid gland itself.
Additional surgery may be necessary if the cancer has spread. Because medullary cancer tends to run in families, screening tests for genetic abnormalities in the blood cells may be conducted. |