Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer caused by abnormal proliferation of cells in the thyroid gland. This gland is shaped like a butterfly and is located in the lower part of the neck. Thyroid cancer, which is more common in women, usually manifests itself with symptoms such as enlargement in the thyroid area, voice change, cough and shortness of breath. When diagnosed early, this cancer, which has a high chance of cure, can be treated with surgical intervention and radioactive iodine therapy.

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer develops when normal cells in the thyroid gland mutate and multiply uncontrollably. This leads to tumour formation in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and is responsible for the production of important hormones in the body. Tumours in the thyroid gland are usually recognised by a swelling in the neck, but in some cases they can progress without symptoms. Symptomless thyroid cancers can cause serious health problems when the disease progresses and spreads to other organs. This spread can manifest itself with symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

Thyroid cancer, which has a high probability of being treated when diagnosed early, can be controlled by methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy.

Causes of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer usually originates from thyroid nodules. A family history of thyroid cancer, past radiation exposure and genetic mutations are factors that play an important role in the development of this type of cancer. In addition, conditions such as iodine deficiency, toxic goitre and obesity may also increase the risk of thyroid cancer.

Factors Causing Thyroid Cancer:

• Genetic predisposition
• Being a woman (more common in women)
• Exposure to high radiation
• Iodine deficiency
• Toxic goitre
• Obesity
• Exposure to radiotherapy

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer usually presents with symptoms such as swelling of the thyroid gland, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, sore throat and difficulty breathing. Sometimes cancer can be discovered by chance during a routine examination without any symptoms.

Common Thyroid Cancer Symptoms:

• Enlargement or swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck
• Hoarseness or voice change
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sore throat and neck pain
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight loss
• Redness on the face
• Aggressive behaviour

Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis

The most commonly used method in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer is ultrasonography. If the nodules detected during thyroid ultrasound are suspicious for cancer, a fine needle biopsy is performed. This biopsy is the most reliable method in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. The biopsy results obtained are evaluated by cytology specialists and if cancer is suspected, the definitive diagnosis is made by pathological examination of tissue samples taken by surgery.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment

The main treatment method for thyroid cancer is surgery. During this procedure, the entire thyroid gland or the cancerous part is removed. If the disease has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, these nodes are also surgically removed. In some cases, radioactive iodine treatment (atom therapy) may be necessary after surgery. This treatment is specifically determined by the pathological results and is usually used as an additional measure against the risk of recurrence of the disease. During radioactive iodine treatment, patients are kept in an isolated environment to avoid the risk of spreading radiation.

After the operation, the patient receives lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to meet the thyroid hormones required by the patient’s body and to prevent recurrence of the disease. In rare cases, additional treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thyroid?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the lower part of the neck. The thyroid gland, which is responsible for the production of hormones that regulate many important functions in the body, has a particularly important role in metabolism and energy balance.

Who Has Thyroid Cancer More Frequently?
Thyroid cancer develops in approximately 5 per cent of all thyroid nodules. It is about four times more common in women than in men.

What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer Stage 4?
In advanced stages of cancer, symptoms such as enlargement of the swelling in the neck, increased shortness of breath, hoarseness and, in some cases, osteoporosis may be observed. Aggressive treatment may be required at this stage.

How Should Thyroid Cancer Follow-up Process Be?
After the treatment of thyroid cancer, regular medical check-ups should be performed and the disease should be followed up with methods such as blood tests and imaging examinations. The frequency of follow-ups and the tests to be performed are determined by the doctor.

Is thyroid cancer completely cured?
Thyroid cancer can be completely cured with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. However, in some cases, there is also a possibility of recurrence of the disease.

How Long Does Thyroid Cancer Surgery Take?
The duration of thyroid cancer surgeries may vary depending on the type and spread of cancer. Generally, these operations take between 2-3 hours.

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that responds well to treatment and has a high cure rate when diagnosed early. Therefore, it is vital to consult a specialist immediately when symptoms are noticed.