Signs of Thyroid cancer

Description

Cancer of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a gland in the front of the neck just below the Adam's apple. The thyroid produces thyroid hormone that regulates blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. There are multiple types depending on which cells of the thyroid are growing out of control including: papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, and thyroid lymphoma. Thyroid cancer is rare but is more common in patients exposed to large doses of radiation or with a family history of enlargement of the thyroid (goiter).

Symptoms

Early in the disease there may be no symptoms. As the tumor grows patients may experience a mass in the front of the neck, a lump in the throat, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing, problems breathing, neck pain, throat pain.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be done. Tests to diagnose the condition may include: blood tests, ultrasound, radionuclide scanning, a fine needle biopsy or surgical biopsy.

Standard Workup

thyroid blood Tests
Ultrasound

Treatment

Therapy depends on the type and extent of the cancer. Most patients will require surgery. Other treatments may include chemotherapy, radioactive iodine, and radiation. Most patients will need lifelong supplemental thyroid replacement taken as a pill after treatment.