ReadOns.com | Discover New Blogs Daily

Thyroid cancer – Causes, Symptoms, and management

The thyroid gland is one of the most crucial organs in the human body and is responsible for producing hormones. These hormones control vital functions like blood pressure, heart rate, and core body temperature. It is located in the lower region of the neck. Any abnormal cell growth in this region causes thyroid cancer, more cases of which are reported among women. The known causes, risk factors, and symptoms of thyroid cancer are listed below.

Causes and risk factors

Family history of cancer
Having a close family member who was previously diagnosed with thyroid cancer significantly increases the risk. It is for first-degree relatives, including parents, brothers, sisters, or children.

Genetic risk
Inheriting faulty genes also increases the risk of certain types of cancer. A modified genetic code can trigger health complications linked to the thyroid gland. Genetic risk is a common trigger factor in 25% of the cases diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer.

Exposure to radiation
The thyroid gland is susceptible to radiation. Therefore, repeated exposure does increase the risk of cancer among men and women. Commonly, the first signs of radiation exposure include developing nodules and lumps around the thyroid gland.

Iodine deficiency
Iodine is an essential nutrient for the thyroid gland to function normally. An iodine deficiency has been cited as one of the known risk factors for cancer. Low levels, coupled with radiation exposure, increase the chances of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Benign thyroid diseases
An enlarged thyroid gland, Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune condition), and adenomas are all complications that also increase the risk of thyroid cancer. While these conditions are non-cancerous in most instances, over 5% of the affected people progress into the cancer stage.

Age
The risk of cancer is high among women between the ages of 44 and 49. Men are at risk at an older age, between 80 and 84.

High body mass index
A higher-than-usual body mass index (BMI) affects metabolic activities controlled by the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It happens because excessive body mass increases the production of hormones that control vital functions governing growth and libido.

Other autoimmune conditions
An autoimmune response happens when the body’s immune system attacks its healthy cells. Underlying autoimmune health complications like systemic lupus erythematosus double the risk of thyroid cancer.

Warning signs and symptoms
There are visible and underlying signs of thyroid cancer to keep in mind for a timely diagnosis.

New lumps or nodules
The thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped and sits just above the voice box in the neck. A new swelling, lump, or bumpy nodule may begin to form on one side of the gland, indicating cancer. This lump can be felt through the skin with the slightest touch. Therefore, it is advisable to get such abrupt growths checked by a specialist for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

A feeling of tightness
The thyroid gland wraps around the throat and voice box. Experiencing persistent tightness in this region indicates an issue with the gland. This sensation of tightness is quite similar to the feeling experienced while wearing a tight-collared shirt.

Changes to the voice
As the gland wraps around part of the voice box, changes in its original shape can affect the voice quality and output. Sudden hoarseness with no underlying health condition to explain these changes indicates thyroid cancer.

Difficulty breathing and swallowing
It is a common symptom observed for many overlapping conditions. However, constricted breathing could indicate an overgrowth of cells in the gland and the general neck region, indicative of cancer. This cell mutation can quickly metastasize, spreading to the lymph nodes if left unchecked.

Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are part of the immune system that act as transport channels for lymphocytes (known as white blood cells) to protect the body from disease and infections. A swollen lymph node in the neck indicates cancer progression in the advanced stages.

Persistent coughing
If a cough develops and lingers without any underlying condition like the common cold or a viral infection, it could be a progressive indicator of thyroid cancer. Spitting blood with the cough is also a disturbing warning sign and necessitates an immediate checkup by a healthcare expert.

Neck pain
Any pain that starts at the front of the neck near and around the thyroid gland, spreading to the sides of the ears, also indicates the early stages of thyroid cancer. These are rare but notable symptoms that shouldn’t go unchecked.

Diagnosis
Doctors will perform a physical exam to inspect the thyroid gland thoroughly. Further blood tests, a biopsy, and ultrasound imaging will be carried out depending on the results. Blood tests will confirm the overall health of the thyroid gland based on the amount of hormones produced. Ultrasound imaging is done to check the thyroid nodules and confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy will help narrow down the type of thyroid cancer. In addition, a radioactive tracer (mostly iodine) highlights the areas where cancer might have spread. Doctors may also recommend frequent Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resource Imaging (MRI) scans to track the progression of cancer in its advanced stages.

Treatment and outlook
Treatment options for thyroid cancer vary depending on the severity of the condition. These include a combination of hormone replacement therapies and surgeries to tackle the different stages of cancer. For some types, radioactive iodine treatment targets the cancerous cells directly. Advanced stages of thyroid cancer will require partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Even heat and cold can be used as radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation to neutralize cancer cells. However, it is necessary to note that the prognosis and outlook for recovery depend solely on the treatment and results.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.