The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the throat's base near the trachea. Despite its size, the thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating essential body functions, such as heart rate, body temperature, metabolism and calcium levels in the blood. Thyroid cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the thyroid. Thyroid cancer treatment options aim to either cure the disease or manage its symptoms, with approaches ranging from surgery to palliative care to relieve discomfort. Understanding the types, warning signs, causes and treatments of thyroid cancer is essential for effective care.

What Is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a disease where cancer cells form in the thyroid gland. While thyroid nodules (lumps) are common, most are not cancerous. Thyroid cancer is relatively rare compared to other cancers, with about 44,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States. Although it can be serious, thyroid cancer is usually treatable and often cured through surgery and, if needed, radioactive iodine therapy. The prognosis for the most common types, such as papillary and follicular thyroid cancer, is generally very good.

What Are the Types of Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is classified into four primary types:

• Papillary Thyroid Cancer: The most common type, accounting for about 70% to 80% of all cases. It usually grows slowly and often spreads to lymph nodes in the neck, but it generally has a favorable prognosis, even if it spreads to the lymph nodes.

Understanding the types of thyroid cancer is essential in determining the most effective treatment plan.

What Are the Warning Signs of Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages and is sometimes found during a routine physical exam. However, as the cancer progresses, thyroid cancer symptoms may include:

• A lump (nodule) or swelling in the neck. The lump usually feels hard, gradually gets bigger and is painless
• Trouble swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness or changes in voice that do not get better
• Pain when swallowing

Other thyroid cancer symptoms include skin flushing, cough not due to a cold, diarrhea or unexplained weight loss. If any of these symptoms change, worsen or do not feel normal, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider.

What Causes Thyroid Cancer?

The exact causes of thyroid cancer remain unknown, but several factors may increase the risk:

• Radiation Exposure: People exposed to high doses of radiation, particularly during childhood, have a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. This includes radiation therapy for other cancers if it involves the head, neck or chest. Exposure to radioactivity during nuclear disasters, such as Chernobyl or Fukushima, is also linked to thyroid cancer, particularly in children.
• Genetic Factors: A family history of thyroid cancer, particularly medullary thyroid cancer, raises the likelihood of developing the disease.
• Genetic Mutations: Having certain genetic conditions such as familial medullary thyroid cancer (FMTC), multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A syndrome (MEN2A) or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B syndrome (MEN2B) are risk factors for thyroid cancer.
• Other Health Conditions: Health problems affecting the thyroid, such as goiter (enlarged thyroid), Hashimoto’s disease or nodules (noncancerous lumps) in or on the thyroid, can increase the risk.

Other factors such as age, gender (women who have not been through menopause are more likely to develop thyroid cancer), and certain cancers can also contribute to its development.

How Is Thyroid Cancer Treated?

Thyroid cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Common treatment options include:

• Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. Depending on the case, either part of the thyroid (lobectomy) or the entire or most of the thyroid (thyroidectomy) may be removed.
• Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Often used after surgery to eliminate remaining thyroid tissue or cancerous cells, radioactive iodine therapy is taken orally and targets the remaining thyroid tissue and cancer cells. Other radiation therapy includes using high-energy radiation directed at the cancer (external radiation therapy) and radioactive substances placed near the cancer (internal radiation therapy).

• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth, administered either systemically (through the bloodstream) or regionally (directly into a specific area).

• Thyroid Hormone Therapy: Since the thyroid plays a crucial role in hormone production, hormone replacement therapy is often necessary after thyroidectomy to regulate metabolism and prevent cancer recurrence by blocking thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

• Targeted Therapy: This involves using medications, such as tyrosine kinase and protein kinase inhibitors, specifically targeting cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
• Watchful Waiting: Involves monitoring the patient’s condition without immediate treatment until necessary.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer and is currently being studied for effectiveness in thyroid cancer.

The best treatment approach depends on multiple factors, and a team of multidisciplinary doctors works together to develop a personalized care plan.

Find a Doctor in Brownsville & Harlingen

Healthcare is better together. If you or a loved one are experiencing thyroid cancer symptoms, it is crucial to seek care from a qualified physician. Our multidisciplinary team at Valley Baptist Physician Network in the Rio Grande Valley provides experienced and compassionate care tailored to your needs. We offer comprehensive diagnostics and treatment options to help ensure the best possible outcomes.

For more information on our services, call 956-804-5851 or find a doctor in the Brownsville and Harlingen areas.