The most common type of thyroid cancer is differentiated thyroid cancer. As the name implies, its cells retain some of the properties of normal thyroid cells, which makes them easier to treat. Papillary and follicular carcinomas are differentiated carcinomas – papillary accounts for 70-80% of all thyroid and follicular carcinomas 10-15%. These types of cancer have a very good prognosis, provided they are treated properly, with a very low mortality rate. Medullary thyroid carcinoma is less common and appears in about 5-10% of cases, has a more conservative prognosis than differentiated thyroid carcinoma and is very rare – less than 2% of cases, with a very high mortality rate.
How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosis is easy and begins with a careful probe of the thyroid gland, which is located on the anterior side of the neck and possible nodes located laterally. When a thyroid nodule is suspected and/or palpable, an ultrasound of the cervix is performed, which is an accessible, low-cost examination with no radiological risks to the person. Ultrasound is the most sensitive examination that allows detection and characterization of thyroid nodules, but it has specific indications, that is, it should not be requested routinely when the person concerned does not have any thyroid complaints.
When the nodule has some ultrasonographic characteristic that may make it suspicious of malignancy or is larger than 1.5 – 2 cm, it must be subjected to a fine-needle puncture (biopsy) – cells are removed that, after staining with specific reagents and observed under the microscope (cytological examination of the thyroid gland) It is allowed, in most cases, to classify the nodule as benign or malignant – precancerous.
What are the first symptoms of the disease?
Could it be asymptomatic? What do you do in these cases?
Thyroid cancer can be completely asymptomatic. but, Rapidly growing, hard, and immobile swelling (swelling) in the front or side of the neck may be the first sign of thyroid cancer. More so if it is accompanied by hoarseness or difficulty swallowing. However, keep in mind that most thyroid nodules are benign and nodules or cysts that are small in size may not cause a person any problem.
How do we improve the diagnosis of the disease?
It should be noted that an ultrasound of the neck should be performed whenever swelling appears. It is not important to have ultrasound scans just to “miss” the nodule, unless there is a family history of thyroid cancer in the family and the doctor explains it. Thyroid nodules should be evaluated by physicians who specialize in their follow-up.
Who are the most affected people (age group, gender)?
Thyroid cancer is four times more common in women. People over the age of 40, who have a history of thyroid cancer or who have been exposed to radiation, especially radiotherapy to the head or neck, are at an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.
What are the best disease prevention strategies?
In fact, there is no real prevention of disease. It is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits through regular physical exercise and to be aware of the warning signs that appear on our bodies when things are not going well!
