Thyroid cancer is caused when abnormal cells start to grow in the thyroid gland. It is most common in individuals who are in their 30s as well as in those who are over the age of 60. Females are two to three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men. However, if diagnosed early on and the patient gets treatment from the best cancer hospital in India, then it can be cured entirely. Yet, in some cases, it can come back after the treatment. To know about the symptoms and risk factors of thyroid cancer, keep reading further.
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
- Swelling in the neck
- A lump in the throat, sometimes growing quickly
- Pain in the front of the neck which sometimes goes up to the ears
- Trouble in swallowing
- Difficultyin breathing
- A continuous cough that is not due to a cold
- Hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away
Many of these signs can also be due to non-cancerous diseases or even other cancers in the neck area. Lumps in the thyroid are extremely common and are usually benign. Still, if a person is experiencing these symptoms, it becomes crucial for them to see a doctor right away, so the underlying cause can be found and treated if needed.
What are the Risk Factors?
A risk factor is basically anything that raises a person’s chance of developing cancer. Even though risk factors often influence the development of cancer, they mostly do not directly cause cancer. Some individuals having multiple risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing the risk factors and talking about them with a doctor may help a patient to make a more informed healthcare and lifestyle decision.The following factors may increase an individual’s risk of developing thyroid cancer:
- Gender: Three of every four thyroid cancer cases registered is of females.
- Age: Thyroid cancer can happen at any age, but about two-thirds of all cases are found in individuals aged between 20 and 55. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is generally diagnosed after age 60. Adolescents and older infants can develop MTC (Medullary thyroid cancer), mainly if they carry the RET proto-oncogene mutation.
- Genetics: Certain types of thyroid cancer are related to
- A family history of MTC increases a person’s risk of developing this cancer. People with theMEN2 syndrome are also at risk for developing other types of cancers
- A family history of goitresraises the chances of developing papillary thyroid cancer
- A family history of precancerous polyps in the large intestines increases the risk of developing papillary thyroid cancer
- Radiation Exposure: Exposure to moderate level of radiation to the neck and head may give rise to the risk of developing papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. Radiotherapy for cancer can efficiently work towards eliminating this risk factor.
- Diet Low in Iodine: Iodine is essential for healthy thyroid function. In almost all countries, iodine is added to consumer salt to help avoid thyroid problems.
After a person is diagnosed with thyroid cancer, the doctor would want to discuss the possible treatment options. In choosing a treatment plan; the type, stage of the cancer and general health factors are considered by the doctors of best cancer hospital in India like Max Healthcare. Timely diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer has saved many lives, thus it is imperative to get a full body checkup done on a regular basis.