Tuesday, December 23, 2008

What Is Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a kind of tumor that develops when abnormal cells start growing in the thyroid gland. This is an unusual cancer type that is quite uncommon. Generally, if this cancer type is found in the early stage, they can be treated more efficiently than any other. Though thyroid cancer can be treated, they might reoccur again after a few years or months but rest assure that this is not the case in all patients! Some tumors of this type are moderate and are sometimes non cancerous. On the other hand, some tumors can develop into something malicious and may not be easily treated. Thyroid cancer is categorized and divided as follicular carcinomas, carcinomas, medullary thyroid carcinomas, anaplastic carcinomas, primary thyroid sarcomas and primary thyroid lymphomas. This malignant tumor stretches and spreads alongside tissues, which further causes relentless complications.
Based on studies and history records, thyroid cancer is most frequent among women than men, yet the reason behind this is not apparent. The actual causes of thyroid cancer have never been pointed till today, but experts believe that thyroid cancer is caused by constant exposure to radiation. Individuals who are diagnosed would have previously been exposed to some kind of radiation either through medical or environmental processes. Thyroid Cancer Causes and Effects While the exact causes of thyroid cancer is not entirely known but exposure to radiation during childhood is one of the suspected cause of this type of cancer. Radiations were used in the 50s and 60s to treat acne! Thyroid Cancer Signs and Symptoms Every tumor has its own signs and symptoms, likewise, thyroid cancer will show some basic indications when its growing inside a patient. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include swelling on the neck region, severe neck pain, painless lump, voice changes, pain while swallowing, breathing trouble and continuous coughing. While these are not all the symptoms shown but its a good indicator to start seeking clarification. Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis From the signs and symptoms, a complete test should be done to thoroughly check for thyroid cancer. A thorough test is needed to rule out non malignant thyroidal extension that is quite common. Thyroid cancer enhanced the capability of tubercles to entrap the isotope on contrast with the thyroid cells. Several other tests include biopsy, ultrasonic scans and CT scans. Thyroid Cancer Treatment Thyroid cancer treatment involves different method of treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery is done to remove the entire thyroid and it helps to prevent the cancer cells in the thyroid gland from moving closer towards the lymph nodes. Other type of treatments includes chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiation therapy. Thyroid Cancer Prevention Is Better Than Cure In some cases, thyroid cancer is quite erratic and they are not connected with immediate threatening risk factors.

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