Thyroid
cancer is the most common of all cancers involving
the endocrine system. Approximately 26,000 cases of
thyroid cancer are diagnosed in the United States
each year. Thyroid cancer develops about 3 times
more frequently in women than men suggesting that
female hormones (estrogens) amyl predispose women to
this type of cancer. Risk factors for thyroid cancer
include:
Female gender
Advanced age
Low iodine intake
Radiation exposure
There are
several different types of thyroid cancer that can
be identified by examining the cancer cells under a
microscope:
Differentiated thyroid cancer
Medullary thyroid cancer
Anaplastic thyroid cancer
Differentiated thyroid cancer is the most
common type of thyroid cancer and accounts for over
90% of all cases. Medullary thyroid cancer and
anaplastic thyroid cancer account for only about 5%
and 1% of all cases, respectively. The most common
symptom of thyroid cancer is an enlarged thyroid
nodule. Other symptoms may include a hoarse voice,
enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and difficulty
swallowing.
Treatment of thyroid cancer
depends on a variety of factors including the type
of cancer as well as the stage of the disease. In
general, the treatment options may include:
Surgical removal of the thyroid gland and
lymph nodes
Radioactive iodine therapy
External-beam radiation therapy
Chemotherapy - in rare cases
The prognosis (outlook) for patients with
thyroid cancer depends upon a variety of important
factors including the type of cancer, age of the
patient, and stage of the tumor. In general, the
prognosis for patients with early stage
differentiated or medullary thyroid cancer is
excellent. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the most
aggressive form of thyroid cancer that is rarely
cured and usually carries a poor prognosis.
Hospitals Listing
Max Health Care
New Delhi
{India}
Max Healthcare, is a subsidiary of Max India Limited, a Delhi based provider
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
New Delhi
{India}
Lilawati Hospital
Mumbai
{India}
Fortis Helthcare
New Delhi
{India}
OCC World Class Doctors
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