Cancer of the thyroid gland is a medical condition that occurs when the cells of the thyroid gland develop abnormally and form tumors, which can eventually spread to other parts of the body such as lymph nodes, lungs, bones, and brain. This type of cancer is more common in women than in men and has several different types including papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
When it comes to treatment for thyroid cancer, options vary depending on the type, stage, and individual patient’s condition. Surgery is usually the main method of treatment for this condition with open surgery being preferred. During this procedure, an incision is made in the neck and part or all of the thyroid gland is removed along with any lymph node involvement. For patients with early-stage cancer with smaller tumors and no lymph node metastasis, endoscopic surgery through the mouth may be an option.
After surgery, patients may need to take hormone replacement therapy if their entire gland was removed. In cases where there is a high risk for recurrence or metastasis, radioactive iodine treatment may be recommended. It’s crucial to undergo a checkup and biopsy to determine if a neck lump is cancerous and assess the stage of the cancer. Modern surgical techniques combined with experienced doctors can help ensure safe surgeries with minimal complications. Additional treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be required for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
