Thyroid Cancer : Types, Symptoms and Cure

Unlike most cancers, Thyroid cancers are highly curable,respond well to the treatment and are rarely fatal.

Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid gland. It is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism.

It is a relatively rare type of cancer, accounting for only about 1% of all cancers. If you think you are suffering from thyroid cancer or the symptoms match with yours, after reading the blog, then you need to immediately check with the best thyroid specialist in Kolkata.

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer develops in the thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck. The gland is known to  produce certain types of hormones that regulate metabolism of how the body uses energy.

Thyroid hormones also control the body temperature, blood pressure and rate of heart.

Different Types of Thyroid Cancer

Here are some of the most common types of thyroid cancer. 

Papillary thyroid cancer: This is the common type of thyroid cancer, that accounts for about 80% of cases. It usually grows slowly and is often curable with surgery and radioactive iodine treatment.

Follicular thyroid cancer: This type of thyroid cancer accounts for about 10-15% of cases. It also grows slowly and can be treated with surgery and radioactive iodine.

Medullary thyroid cancer: This is a rare type of thyroid cancer that develops in the cells of the thyroid gland that produce calcitonin, a hormone that regulates calcium levels in the body. It can be hereditary and may require surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer: This is a rare and aggressive type of thyroid cancer that grows quickly and is difficult to treat. It may require a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer 

Thyroid cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages until the cancer has grown or spread. However, some common symptoms of thyroid cancer include:

1. A lump or swelling in the neck: The lump may be painless or may cause discomfort, and it may grow over time.

2. Difficulty swallowing: Thyroid cancer may cause difficulty swallowing or a feeling of tightness in the throat.

3. Hoarseness or voice changes: Thyroid cancer can affect the vocal cords, causing hoarseness or other changes in the voice.

4. Neck pain: Some people with thyroid cancer may experience pain in the neck, ears, or jaw.

5. Enlarged lymph nodes: Thyroid cancer can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

6. Fatigue: Some people with thyroid cancer may experience fatigue or weakness.

How to treat and cure Thyroid Cancer?

Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the size and area it has spread.The most common forms of treatment that the best thyroid specialist in Kolkata suggest are- Surgery, radioline therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy.

Conclusion

This cancer is typically slow-growing and may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and become more difficult to treat. If you notice any of the symptoms, check with a doctor at the earliest.