Thyroid Cancer

Your Thyroid is shaped like a small butterfly, and is usually found inside the lower front of your neck. It's a gland that controls your metabolism. If it's caught early, is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.

Thyroid Cancer starts in the thyroid gland.

The Thyroid gland is a part of the Endocrine System. The Endocrine System produces hormones that regulate the normal functions of the body.

The Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the throat. It has a left and right lobe. The isthmus is the part of the Thyroid gland where the lobes connect. The Thyroid makes the hormone thyroxine, which helps the body regulate.

Metabolism

Blood pressure

Heart rate

Body temperature

Body weight

Thyroid Cancer is the most common type of Endocrine Cancer. Diagnosis is on the rise in the United States. This may be because it has become easier to find the disease.

Symptoms Of Thyroid Cancer:

Early Thyroid Cancer has no symptoms. You won’t be able to feel your thyroid gland if it’s healthy. As Thyroid Cancer progresses, the following symptoms may occur:

A lump in the throat

A cough

Hoarseness

Pain in the throat and neck

Difficulty swallowing

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer:

Having a family history of Thyroid Cancer

Being a woman

Having a history of breast cancer

Having a history of radiation exposure

Age is also a risk factor. Thyroid cancer is most likely to occur after age 40.

Types of Thyroid Cancer:

Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Follicular Thyroid Cancer

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid lymphoma

Diagnosing Thyroid Cancer:

The results of a physical exam or laboratory test can reveal the presence of Thyroid Cancer. An examination of the neck may reveal a small or large mass in the thyroid. Lymph nodes may also be enlarged.

Thyroid function tests

A thyroglobulin test, which is used for papillary or follicular cancers

An ultrasound of the thyroid

A thyroid scan

A thyroid biopsy

Calcium level in the blood

Phosphorous level in the blood

Calcitonin level in the blood

Laryngoscopy