At the base of the throat, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland. Iodine, a mineral present in some foods and iodized salt, is used by the gland to aid in the production of many hormones that regulate heart rate, body temperature, metabolism, and the quantity of calcium in the blood.
In the United States, 52,890 people will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2020, and 2,180 people will pass away from the condition, according to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database of the National Cancer Institute. This kind of cancer has a 98.3% five-year survival rate.
Papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer are the four main kinds of thyroid cancer.
According to the National Carcinoma Institute, papillary thyroid cancer makes up about 85% of all diagnoses and is the most frequent form of thyroid cancer. This kind of thyroid cancer has a high likelihood of being curable if detected early.
Approximately 10% of thyroid cancer diagnoses are follicular thyroid cancers, which are the second most frequent kind. It normally develops slowly and starts in follicular cells. If detected in time, this type of cancer is also very curable.
The C cells of the thyroid, which produce the hormone calcitonin that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood, are where medullary thyroid cancer begins. Nearly everyone with a specific gene mutation develops this rare malignancy. Usually, the presence of this mutated gene can be found through blood tests.
An extremely rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma typically affects those over 60. This type of cancer is challenging to cure and spreads quickly.
Risk factors for thyroid cancer include radiation exposure and a family history of thyroid problems. Thyroid cancer is diagnosed considerably more frequently in women than in men.
In This Article...
Is thyroid cancer a cancerous condition?
One type of cancer that begins in the thyroid gland is thyroid cancer. When cells start to multiply uncontrollably, cancer develops. (For more information on how cancer develops and spreads, visit What Is Cancer?) The metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature are all controlled by hormones that your thyroid gland produces.
What shade of ribbon represents thyroid cancer?
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Wristband in Three Colors Wear our specially created wristband in the three colors associated with thyroid cancer: Purple, Teal, and Pink, to help spread awareness of this disease. To support our cause, give one to a friend or family member.
Thyroid Awareness Dayis there one?
World Thyroid Day (WTD), observed on May 25, honors thyroid patients and everyone who is dedicated to the global study and treatment of thyroid illnesses.
All thyroid patients must understand their condition, and clinicians must comprehend how thyroid problems influence patients and how to enhance patient outcomes.
What is June Awareness Month?
Cataract Awareness Month is in June. An eye cataract is a clouding of the lens that prevents or alters light from entering the eye.
Is cancer in stage 4 irreversible?
Cancer at stage 4 is not always fatal. It usually requires more intensive therapy because it is progressed.
Cancer that is terminal is one that cannot be cured and will eventually take a person’s life. Some people would refer to it as terminal cancer. When a doctor declares that a patient’s cancer is terminal, it typically signifies that the disease is so far along that there are no longer any effective ways to treat it. Cancers that are more advanced are more likely to be fatal.
The possibility of surviving for a specific amount of time, like five years, when a doctor diagnoses cancer is expressed by survival rates. When breast cancer has progressed to distant parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate is 28%, suggesting that 28% of patients make it through this time.
According to the American Cancer Society, the same percentage is 30% for men whose prostate cancer has progressed to remote locations.
Depending on the type of cancer, survival rates can change. Mesothelioma that has migrated to distant locations has a 7 percent 5-year survival rate. This rate is 3% for distant pancreatic cancer.
However, it is important to keep in mind that these rates are based on a substantial amount of historical data. They might not represent current developments in medicine and healthcare. Additionally, a vast array of variables affect each person’s life expectancy.
The procedure of figuring out a cancer’s stage and severity is complicated. All the factors that govern how cancer develops and impacts the body are still unknown to medical professionals. It is quite challenging to predict life expectancy. The sort of cancer, where it is located, and whether the patient has any other underlying medical disorders are just a few of the numerous factors the doctor will take into account.
Why is the ribbon for thyroid cancer three colors?
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association Inc. is pleased to announce the 14th year of its research grants program, which offers funding to academics and institutions all around the world. 47 awards have already been given to researchers in 5 different nations.
In 2015, ThyCa will give out fresh funding for the study of thyroid cancer. One new award will study thyroid cancer caused by follicular cells (papillary, follicular, anaplastic, variants). Research on medullary thyroid carcinoma is the subject of another recent award.
The third new award is for any kind of thyroid cancer research. The Ric Blake Memorial Thyroid Cancer Research Grant was established in Ric Blake’s honor and memory as a co-founder of ThyCa.
ThyCa extends an invitation to everyone to join us in our search for treatments and cures for all types of thyroid cancer. We appreciate all of you who have given to our research funds. Together, we’re advancing closer to our goal of finding treatments for thyroid cancer in all cases.
The three colorsdeep blue-purple, pink, and tealcan be seen on Awareness Ribbon Pins, Magnet Ribbons, and the ThyCa logo. Pink (238), blue-purple (266), and teal are the Pantone colors and numbers for the ThyCa logo (3252).
Cherie LC, a volunteer for ThyCa and a thyroid cancer survivor, chose the three colors more than 16 years ago. She selected the colors to stand for the throat energy center, spiritual healing influences, and the healing properties of teal.
The use of three colors highlights the fact that thyroid cancer can occur in a variety of ways and circumstances and affects people of all ages, from infants to elderly.
It’s Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in September. We may all proudly display and don our colors all year long. Visit our Raise Awareness website for free resources and advice.
We appreciate you spreading knowledge about thyroid cancer and making others aware of our free support, activities, and publications.
Free Thyroid Cancer Handbooks and a Low-Iodine Cookbook are available from ThyCa by download, ePub, or mail.
Our free Low-Iodine Cookbook and thyroid cancer handbooks, both of which have undergone medical review, are stuffed with useful information. You can get them in three practical formats.
You can request a copy by mail, download them in PDF format from our website, or purchase them as ePubs (search “ThyCa on iTunes or GooglePlay).
We also send them in bulk, free of charge, to medical professionals so they can distribute them to their patients. The order form is on our website.
We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of our Medical Advisors, other experts, thyroid cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in the writing, editing, and reviewing of these publications.
- Basics of thyroid cancer. 50 pages are devoted to various thyroid cancers. English, Chinese, Italian, Russian, and Spanish are now all available.
- Thyroid anaplastic cancer. 40 pages.
- thyroid cancer in the medulla. 50 pages.
- English version of the seventh edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook. More than 340 recipes are included in the 120 pages of the book, along with recommendations from research dietitians and specialists in thyroid cancer for the temporary low-iodine diet. Spanish and French (3rd editions) are also available (5th edition).
What causes thyroid cancer primarily?
Although a number of genetic diseases are associated with thyroid cancer (included in Thyroid cancer risk factors), the precise origin of the majority of thyroid tumors is still unknown.
Cancerous thyroid cells can develop as a result of specific DNA alterations in an individual. Our genesthe manuals for how our cells workare made up of DNA, a molecule found in every one of our cells. Since our DNA comes from our parents, we often resemble them. But DNA has an impact beyond just our appearance. Additionally, it may affect our susceptibility to certain illnesses, such as some forms of cancer.
Some genes carry instructions that determine whether or not our cells will divide, grow, or die.
- Oncogenes are specific genes that promote cell growth and division or extend cell life beyond what is normal.
- Tumor suppressor genes are those that prevent or delay cell division or cause cells to die when they should.
DNA alterations that activate oncogenes or silence tumor suppressor genes can result in cancer.
Each gene is passed down twice from each parent to the child. Damaged DNA can be passed on to us from one or both parents. However, hereditary gene alterations do not account for the majority of malignancies. In these situations, a person’s genes alter as they age. They could arise when radiation or another environmental factor damages a cell’s DNA, or they might only happen occasionally inside a cell for no apparent reason.
Is thyroid cancer treatable?
Thyroid malignancies are generally extremely treatable. In reality, if detected and treated early enough, the two most common kinds of thyroid cancer, papillary and follicular tumors, have a more than 98 percent cure rate. The easier it is to treat and the less likely it is that your cancer has spread outside of the thyroid when you receive an early diagnosis.
The prognosis for medullary thyroid carcinoma is worse because it frequently involves lymph nodes. Cancer quickly spreads in the lymphatic system once it has invaded the lymph nodes, necessitating a more thorough and probably severe course of treatment.
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, the rarest form of thyroid cancer, has a very bad prognosis. Because it is so aggressive, localized anaplastic thyroid cancer responds best to early diagnosis and total thyroidectomy. Unfortunately, this cancer usually only becomes apparent after it has spread.
Thyroid cancer is sometimes referred to as a “good cancer to geteven” by certain doctors because the majority of patients who have it do not pass away.
Dr. Lieb claims that nearly everyone I take care of is aware of that. “However, I disagree with it. When doctors inform patients they have cancer, they may choose to downplay the diagnosis rather than simply saying, “Your prognosis is favorable.” But there is no effective cancer.
According to him, patients “need to know that cancer transforms your life. Thyroid hormones must be taken. You could need to undergo radioactive iodine therapy, which has drawbacks. Surgery might be required, which is unpleasant. Additionally, you must undergo routine testing, such as ultrasounds, which raises anxiety and medical expenses.
The worry of recurrence is another, albeit it is uncommon for thyroid cancer to do so. According to surveys of thyroid cancer patients, even individuals with a low chance of recurrence worry that they will pass away from the disease or that a family member would contract it. “However, it’s unlikely.
How do you feel about thyroid cancer?
Your trachea is encircled by the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland the size of a quarter. It creates hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. The level of calcium in your blood is also controlled by thyroid hormones.
Thyroid cancer may not exhibit any symptoms or indicators in its early stages. Thyroid cancer is frequently found during a normal neck exam or during an imaging scan used to identify another problem. Normally, touching your thyroid won’t make it feel anything. However, if cancer is present, a lump could develop as the tumor grows.
If any of the following apply to you:
- between 25 and 65 years old
- radiation exposure to the head or neck
- a female (According to the American Cancer Society, women are three times more likely than males to be diagnosed with this kind of cancer)
Thyroid cancer typically results in a lump and/or swelling of the neck, but it can also cause hoarseness of the voice, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and other symptoms. Other signs include a chronic cough that is not related to an infection and neck ache that may extend as far as the ears. It’s crucial to contact your doctor for a diagnosis if you’re exhibiting any symptoms.
After thyroid surgery, do you gain weight?
After a thyroidectomy, patients with hyperthyroidism frequently gain weight. This happens as a result of the decreased levels of thyroid hormone in the blood, which mitigates the effects of high thyroid hormones on weight loss (4,5). On the other hand, it is uncertain how thyroid surgery affects weight in euthyroid people. Even when they have attained biochemical euthyroidism after thyroid surgery, patients frequently complain of weight increase. Studies looking into this problem have produced conflicting findings. Numerous of these studies have unclear or poor follow-up and are very susceptible to bias in selection (69). Some of these restrictions can be addressed by a population-based study. These studies are less susceptible to selection and referral bias than non-population-based research since they examine a population within a specific geographic area (10). Population-based studies make it easier to collect longitudinal data since they collect information from several sources within a given geographic area and are not restricted to a single source or healthcare system.
To better comprehend the degree to which patients receiving thyroid surgery for thyroid cancer or thyroid nodules experienced any weight change, a population-based study was carried out. Additionally, studies examining weight change were the subject of a systematic review and meta-analysis, which made it easier to evaluate the findings in light of the overall body of data.
