DEFINITION Thyroid cancer occurs in cells of the thyroid gland (an organ shaped like a butterfly is located at the base of the neck), which serves to produce hormones to regulate the heart beat rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.
SYMPTOMS
Thyroid cancer usually does not cause any signs and symptoms early. Along with its growth, the patient will feel:
• A lump can be felt under the skin of the neck
• Changes in voice, including hoarseness
• It is hard to swallow
• Pain in the neck or throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Causes & Risk Factors
Cause
It is not clear what causes thyroid cancer. Doctors believe the cancer occurs when genetic mutations occur in cells in the thyroid which causes it to continue to grow and multiply themselves when normal cells should die. Accumulation of these cells then form a tumor and can spread to other body areas.
This type of thyroid cancer include:
- Papillary thyroid cancer. Is the most common type. Generally occur in those aged between 30 to 50 years.
- Follicular thyroid cancer. Generally occur in those aged over 50 years.
- Medullary thyroid cancer. Derivatives associated with genetic syndromes that also includes other gland tumor. This type of cancer is also much that is sporadic, the syndrome is not associated with genetic inheritance.
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer. Is a malignant type of thyroid cancer, treatment is difficult and very rare happening. This type of cancer usually occurs in those aged 60 years and over.
- Thyroid lymphoma. This cancer starts from cells of the immune system of the thyroid. This rare type of cancer most often strikes occur and those aged 70 years and over.
Some factors that increase the risk of thyroid cancer include:
- Exposed to high levels of radiation
- Personal or family records with goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
- Certain congenital genetic syndromes, such as familial medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia and familial adenomatous polyposis.
The experts are not sure what causes thyroid cancer. Therefore there is no way to prevent thyroid cancer. But in those at high risk of thyroid cancer will probably require surgery (prophylactic thyroidectomy) for cancer prevention.