The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the human neck. Thyroid cancer develops when the thyroid cells mutate and multiply to form a tumour. Below are a few essential facts about thyroid cancer.
Causes of thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is caused by changes in a person's DNA that stimulate the thyroid cells to become cancerous. Some people develop the disease as a result of hereditary factors. Other risk factors that may expose a person to the disease include exposure to radiation and iodine deficiency.
Types of thyroid cancer
Below are the different kinds of thyroid cancer.
Symptoms of thyroid cancer
One of the most common signs of thyroid cancer is neck pains. As the thyroid gland grows, it presses other body organs hence leading to neck pains. People with the disease may also have difficulties when swallowing food and may have a hoarse voice. They may also feel a lump on their throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not conclude that you have thyroid cancer. Visit a doctor who will conduct tests to determine if you have a cancerous growth.
Treatment and management of thyroid cancer
Most forms of thyroid cancer are treatable. If the disease cannot be cured, treatment aims at preventing it from spreading. Depending on the stage and type of cancer, the doctor may recommend surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy. Some patients may also choose to participate in clinical trials aimed at finding new treatments for the illness.
Coping with thyroid cancer
If you are diagnosed with thyroid cancer, you require support from friends and family to ensure that you are motivated to endure cancer treatment. If you experience trauma as a result of the cancer diagnosis, consult with a counsellor. In case you are concerned about the resulting scar after surgery, visit a plastic surgeon or incorporate scarfs in your daily attire.
Thyroid cancer is a treatable form of cancer when detected during its early stages. Therefore, is important to visit a doctor if you experience any of the disease's symptoms.
Share29 January 2019
Hello, my name is Catherine and this is my blog all about health and medical topics. I was inspired to start this blog by my husband who works in a hospital. He isn't a doctor, he works in a lab testing blood samples. However, he is extremely interested in medicine. When his grandma got sick, he quickly established what might be wrong and got her all the help she needed. Sometimes is the evening, we sit and read textbooks and talk about medicine. It sounds insane but we both really like it. I decided to start this blog to show off some of what I have learnt.