Thyroid Cancer Treatment in Visakhapatnam

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. The thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature through the hormones it produces. As a type of endocrine cancer, thyroid cancer is typically highly treatable and has an excellent cure rate.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

Differentiated Thyroid Cancers

Differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) are the most common type of thyroid malignancies, arising from follicular thyroid cells. They typically have a favorable prognosis and are classified into the following main subtypes:

• Papillary thyroid cancer: The most common type (about 80%) of all thyroid cancers and usually grows slowly but can spread to lymph nodes in the neck. It responds very well to treatment. This type of thyroid cancer is highly curable and rarely poses a serious threat.
• Follicular thyroid cancer: This cancer comprises up to 15% of thyroid cancer cases and has a higher likelihood of spreading to the bones and organs, such as the lungs. When it becomes metastatic, treatment may be more challenging.
• Hurthle cell carcinoma: This is a rare and aggressive subtype of follicular thyroid cancer. It accounts for about 3–5% of all thyroid cancers and is known for its tendency to spread beyond the thyroid.
• Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer: This uncommon type of thyroid cancer is more aggressive than other types and usually does not respond well to standard treatments.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) 

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare type, making up about 2% of cases. It starts in C cells, which produce calcitonin, a hormone that regulates blood calcium levels. Around 25% of cases are hereditary and linked to genetic mutations.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer 

This rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer is the most difficult to treat. It grows rapidly and often spreads to nearby tissues and other parts of the body, accounting for about 2% of thyroid cancer cases.

Other rare types of cancer can develop in the thyroid. These include thyroid lymphoma, which starts in the immune cells of the thyroid, and thyroid sarcoma, which begins in the thyroid's connective tissue cells.

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

• Lump or swelling in the neck
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Pain in the neck or throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Persistent cough not related to a cold

Signs That Thyroid Cancer Has Spread

If thyroid cancer has spread to other parts of your body, you may experience symptoms like:

• Tiredness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Unexpected weight loss.

Causes of Thyroid cancer

• Genetic mutations in DNA can lead to abnormal cell growth in the thyroid. Some of these mutations are inherited, while others develop spontaneously.
• A family history of thyroid cancer or genetic conditions such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A (MEN2A) or Type 2B (MEN2B) can increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
• Exposure to radiation, whether from radiation therapy to the head, neck, or chest or environmental sources, can increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
• Both iodine deficiency and excessive iodine intake can affect thyroid function and contribute to cancer development.
• Benign thyroid conditions, such as goiter (thyroid enlargement) or thyroid nodules, may gradually increase the risk of developing cancer.
• Gender and age play a role in thyroid cancer risk, with women being more susceptible than men. The condition is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60.
• Hormonal factors, including estrogen levels, pregnancy, and certain hormonal imbalances, may contribute to the development of thyroid cancer.
• Obesity and lifestyle factors, such as an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and excess weight, may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Some studies suggest that obesity and a sedentary lifestyle further elevate this risk.

Diagnosis and Tests

• Physical examination: Doctor checks for lumps or swelling in the neck.
• Blood tests: A thyroid blood test measures hormone levels to determine if your thyroid works correctly.
• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy: A thin needle is used to collect a small sample from a thyroid nodule for microscopic examination and helps to determine if the nodule is cancerous or benign
• Radioiodine scan: Detects thyroid cancer and determines whether it has spread. You swallow a pill containing a safe dose of radioactive iodine (radioiodine). Over several hours, your thyroid gland absorbs the iodine. A healthcare provider then uses a special device to measure the radiation levels in the gland. Areas that absorb less radioactivity may require further testing to confirm the presence of cancer.
• Imaging tests: Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can help detect thyroid cancer and determine if it has spread.

Treatment for Thyroid Cancer

Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread. Options may include:

Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. Based on the size and location of the tumor, the surgeon may perform a lobectomy (removal of part of the thyroid gland) or a thyroidectomy (removal of the entire thyroid gland). In some cases, the surgeon will also remove nearby lymph nodes if the cancer has spread to them.

Radioiodine therapy (RAI): In radioiodine therapy, a higher dose of radioactive iodine is given in pill or liquid form stronger than in diagnostic scans. This treatment helps shrink and eliminate the affected thyroid tissue and any leftover cancer cells. It’s generally very safe because the thyroid absorbs most of the radioactive iodine, with minimal radiation affecting the rest of the body.

Thyroid hormone therapy: This treatment uses levothyroxine, a man-made thyroid hormone, to keep hormone levels balanced after the thyroid is removed. It also helps suppress TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), which might otherwise promote the growth of any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy:  This treatment uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, often given through a vein or sometimes as pills. It's mainly used for aggressive types of thyroid cancer like anaplastic thyroid cancer and may be combined with radiation in some cases. Different drugs may be used alone or together, and side effects vary based on the specific medication used.

Radiation therapy: External beam radiation uses a machine to direct high-energy beams, like X-rays or protons, at specific areas of the body to destroy cancer cells. It’s often recommended when cancer doesn’t respond to other treatments or returns. It can also help relieve pain if the cancer spreads to the bones. Side effects vary based on the area treated. Radiation to the neck may cause skin irritation, coughing, or painful swallowing.

Can I prevent Thyroid Cancer?

While thyroid cancer can’t always be prevented, certain steps may help lower the risk:

• Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure, especially to the head, neck, and chest area, particularly in children.
  
• Know your family history - if thyroid cancer runs in your family, talk to your doctor about genetic testing or regular screenings.
  
• Follow a healthy diet - ensuring adequate iodine intake through your diet (especially in areas where iodine deficiency is common) may help prevent some types of thyroid cancer.
  
• Regular checkups - early detection through routine physical exams or thyroid screenings can catch abnormalities before they progress.
  
• Quit smoking - smoking can increase the risk of several cancers, including those affecting the endocrine system.

Conclusion

Thyroid cancer is generally treatable, especially when detected early. With advances in medical care, most people diagnosed with thyroid cancer go on to live healthy, full lives. Understanding the types, symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help in making informed decisions. Regular checkups, awareness of family history, and prompt attention to unusual symptoms can all play a key role in early detection and effective treatment. Staying informed and proactive is the best step toward managing and overcoming thyroid cancer.