Thyroid Cancer
When cancer invades the thyroid gland, it interferes with our body's ability to make hormones that control our heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.
Although there are 4 types of thyroid cancer, the most common is papillary (PA-pih-LAYR-ee) thyroid cancer. A slow forming disease, papillary thyroid cancer typically strikes between the ages of 30 and 50, and affects women more than men.
You are at greater risk of developing this disease if you have a personal or family history of goiters, have been exposed to high levels of radiation in the past, or certain genetic endocrine diseases.
See your doctor if you notice a lump in your neck, feel hoarse or have trouble breathing or swallowing. This may be a sign cancer has affected your thyroid, which is located at the base of the throat near your windpipe. Early detection and treatment make this one of the least deadly cancers in the U.S.
Recently Answered
- Q What is hereditary thyroid cancer?
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Hereditary thyroid cancer is thyroid cancer that develops in people who have inherited damage to certain genes. People with inherited damage to their RET gene develop medullary thyroid cancer and have a hereditary cancer syndrome called multiple... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my thyroid cancer on a daily basis?
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During and after treatment for thyroid cancer, it will be necessary to see your doctor every few months for check-ups. Usually, your doctor will do blood tests to make sure your hormone levels are within normal ranges and to make sure the cancer has not... Full Answer
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- Q How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?
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Dr. Patrick Maguire, OncologyIn diagnosing thyroid cancer, usually an ultrasound of the neck is obtained to evaluate any lumps felt in the thyroid by the patient or doctor. Signs of cancer within a nodule on ultrasound include "hypoechogenic" (solid) appearance, "taller than wide"... Full Answer
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- Q What is follicular thyroid cancer?
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Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most common cancer of the thyroid gland. It is slightly more aggressive than more common types of thyroid cancer, but treatment is still possible. Follicular thyroid cancer does not usually spread to lymph nodes,... Full Answer
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- Q How common is papillary thyroid cancer?
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Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common form of thyroid cancer. Nearly eighty percent of thyroid cancer cases are papillary thyroid cancer. Usually the condition develops in people before they reach middle age. Full Answer
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- Q What are the tests used to detect and diagnose thyroid cancer?
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Tests that examine the thyroid, neck, and blood are used to detect and diagnose thyroid cancer. The following tests and procedures may be used: Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs... Full Answer
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- Q Can thyroid cancer be prevented?
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Most cases of thyroid cancer cannot be prevented. You may be much more likely to get medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) if you have a gene carried by some families. A genetic test can show if you carry this gene. If your test is positive for the gene, you... Full Answer
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- Q What is thyroid cancer?
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Thyroid cancer is an abnormal growth of the cells of the thyroid gland. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a lump in the neck, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness, or cough. Treatment depends... Full Answer
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- Q How does a thyroid scan diagnose papillary thyroid cancer?
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A thyroid scan is a way for your doctor to see the shape of your thyroid. Your doctor will inject a radioactive isotope into your elbow. This isotope then travels through the bloodstream to the thyroid. A camera then takes a photo of your thyroid, which... Full Answer
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- Q Can papillary thyroid cancer be prevented?
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In some cases, your doctor may recommend preemptive surgery to remove the thyroid gland if you have a strong family history of thyroid disorders. If you are concerned about exposure to radiation causing thyroid cancer, you may be able to take potassium... Full Answer
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