Do I Have Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer, though less common than other types of cancer, is a critical condition that requires prompt attention. The CMC Godwin Healing Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and information to those navigating this challenging diagnosis. We’re addressing some common questions about thyroid cancer to help you better understand the disease, its risks, and treatment options, and tackling some understandable concerns.
How to Tell if You Have Thyroid Cancer
Detecting thyroid cancer early is crucial for effective treatment. However, the signs can be subtle, especially in the early stages. Common symptoms include:
- A Lump in the Neck: The most noticeable sign is a lump or nodule in the neck, particularly in the front where the thyroid gland is located.
- Changes in Voice: If you experience hoarseness or a persistent change in your voice, it could indicate thyroid cancer, especially if it involves the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing: This occurs if the tumor grows large enough to compress the esophagus or trachea.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: In some cases, the cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes, causing them to swell.
Can You Die from Thyroid Cancer?
While thyroid cancer can be serious, the majority of cases are treatable, especially when detected early. The prognosis depends on various factors, including the type and stage of the cancer. The most common types, such as papillary and follicular thyroid cancer, generally have excellent outcomes with appropriate treatment. However, rarer and more aggressive types like anaplastic thyroid cancer can be more challenging to treat.
What Is the Survival Rate of Thyroid Cancer?
The survival rate for thyroid cancer is generally high, particularly for the more common types. According to the American Cancer Society:
- Papillary Thyroid Cancer: This type has a 5-year survival rate of over 98% for early-stage cancers.
- Follicular Thyroid Cancer: The 5-year survival rate is around 92% for early-stage cancers.
- Medullary Thyroid Cancer: The 5-year survival rate varies, ranging from 78% to 90%, depending on the stage at diagnosis.
- Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: This aggressive form has a much lower survival rate, with only 7% to 10% surviving beyond five years.
For localized thyroid cancer, the survival rate can be close to 100%. Even when thyroid cancer spreads to nearby tissues or lymph nodes, the survival rate remains relatively high. This optimistic outlook underscores the importance of early detection and effective treatment strategies, which are central to the care provided at the CMC Godwin Healing Center.
How Long Can You Have Thyroid Cancer Without Knowing?
Thyroid cancer can develop silently over several months or even years before symptoms become noticeable. In many cases, it’s discovered incidentally during routine physical exams or imaging tests for other conditions. Because the early stages of thyroid cancer often lack obvious symptoms, it’s possible to have the disease for some time without realizing it.
What Are the Early Stage Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?
In its early stages, thyroid cancer may not cause any symptoms, which is why it’s often discovered during a routine physical exam or imaging for another condition. When symptoms do appear, they might include:
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- Pain in the front of the neck
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent cough unrelated to a cold
These symptoms are not exclusive to thyroid cancer and can be associated with other health issues. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor who can determine the cause.
READ MORE:
What are the Stages of Cancer?
Staging is one of the preliminary steps that provide a clearer picture of what to anticipate and how to proceed with a cancer diagnosis.
What Causes Thyroid Cancer?
The exact cause of thyroid cancer isn’t always clear, but several risk factors have been identified:
- Genetic Mutations: Some inherited genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
- Radiation Exposure: Individuals who have been exposed to high levels of radiation, especially during childhood, are at higher risk.
- Family History: A family history of thyroid cancer or other thyroid diseases can increase your risk.
- Gender and Age: Women and individuals over 40 are more likely to develop thyroid cancer.
How Is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of thyroid cancer typically begins with a physical examination and medical history. If a lump or other concerning symptoms are present, your doctor may recommend the following tests:
- Ultrasound: This imaging test helps visualize the thyroid gland and detect any abnormalities.
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: A small sample of thyroid tissue is taken and examined for cancer cells.
- Blood tests: These tests can measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and other markers that may indicate thyroid dysfunction or cancer.
- Radioactive iodine scan: This test can help determine if a thyroid nodule is likely to be cancerous.
At the CMC Godwin Healing Center, our team uses the latest diagnostic tools and techniques to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
What kind of doctors treat thyroid cancer?
A variety of doctors may be involved in treating thyroid cancer, including:
Endocrinologists
Doctors like those at CMC Endocrinology diagnose and treat conditions affecting the thyroid and other hormone-producing glands.
Find an endocrinologist >>> CLICK HERE
Endocrine surgeons
These surgical specialists perform operations to remove thyroid tumors.
Nuclear medicine specialists
These doctors use radioactive substances to diagnose and treat thyroid cancer.
Oncologists
Experts like the doctors at the CMC Godwin Healing Center diagnose and treat thyroid cancer, and may specialize in medicines, radiation, or surgery.
Find an oncologist >>> CLICK HERE
Otolaryngologists
ENT’s, like those at CMC Ear, Nose, and Throat, are specialists who treat problems with the ear, nose, and throat, including the thyroid.
Find an otolaryngologist >>> CLICK HERE
Pathologists
These experts study tissue samples under a microscope to look for thyroid cancer cells.
Radiologists
These doctors use energy rays or particles to diagnose and treat thyroid cancer.
Patients with thyroid cancer will likely be treated by more than one type of doctor. A team of doctors will work together to create a personalized treatment plan for you. Many other specialists may be involved in your care as well, including nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), nurses, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation specialists, and other health professionals.
How Is Thyroid Cancer Treated?
The treatment plan for thyroid cancer depends on the type, stage, and individual patient factors. Common treatment options include:
- Surgery: The most common treatment involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy). This can be followed by radioactive iodine treatment to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
- Radioactive Iodine Therapy: This treatment uses radioactive iodine to target and destroy thyroid cancer cells that may have spread beyond the thyroid gland.
- Hormone Therapy: After surgery, hormone therapy may be necessary to replace thyroid hormones and suppress the growth of any remaining cancer cells.
- External Beam Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells, typically used in more advanced cases.
- Chemotherapy: Rarely used for most thyroid cancers, chemotherapy may be an option for more aggressive forms like anaplastic thyroid cancer.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific proteins or genes involved in cancer growth can be used, particularly in advanced or recurrent thyroid cancers.
READ MORE:
What is Chemotherapy?
Learn more about this powerful tool to fight cancer and the challenges it can cause.
Compassionate Cancer Care When You Need It Most
At the CMC Godwin Healing Center, we tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique situation, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Thyroid cancer is a complex condition, but with early detection and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is often excellent. The CMC Godwin Healing Center is here to provide you with the care, support, and information you need to navigate your thyroid cancer journey. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms or has concerns about thyroid cancer, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
For more information and resources, visit Conway Medical Center or explore resources at the American Cancer Society.
