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Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops from the cells of the thyroid gland (the butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck). This gland produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. It develops when cells in the thyroid gland genetically mutate or change. These abnormal cells begin multiplies in the thyroid and results in tumor or cancer. It is one of the most treatable forms of cancer if caught early.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer has the potential to spread to other parts of the body. The following are the main types of thyroid cancer:

• Papillary Carcinoma : It is the most common type of thyroid cancer found. This type of cancer arises from follicular cells which produce thyroid hormone, it grows slowly and often spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. Even if there is spread, there is a good chance for full recovery. It may occur at any age, but most commonly it is found in people ages 30 to 50.
• Follicular thyroid cancer : This type of cancer also arises in the follicular cells, it may spread into the lymph nodes and is more likely to spread into blood vessels and to distant organs such as lungs and bones. It usually affects middle-aged people, particularly women.
• Medullary Thyroid Cancer : This type of cancer initiates when there is an elevated level of calcitonin in blood. Unlike the other types, the risk of this cancer increases at an early stage, as it develops due to certain genetic syndromes.
• Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer : This type of cancer is rare but it is more severe and rapidly growing. This type of cancer is very difficult to treat. It usually affects people over the age of 60.

Causes

The exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, it occurs when there is a change in the DNA of the cells in thyroid, which results in the production of lump due to the uncontrollable growth of these cells.
There are a number of factors that increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer, these include:

• Over or underactive thyroid
• Family history
• Exposure to radiation
• Obesity

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of thyroid cancer include:

• A painless lump or swelling in the neck
• Neck or throat pain
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Vocal changes or hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks
• A sore throat or a cough that doesn’t get better

Treatment

Thyroid cancer is usually very treatable, even if the patient has a more advanced stage, the main treatments for thyroid cancer are:

• Radioactive Iodine Therapy
• External Radiotherapy
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy

Dr Shiva Kumar who is one of the best surgical oncologist in Bangalore provides the best treatment for Thyroid Cancer in North Bangalore Hospital. Here you will get the most effective and advanced treatments and surgery for the full recovery of thyroid cancer.

Authored By : Dr. Shiva Kumar Uppala