Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors and Types Explained

The thyroid gland consists of 2 lobes, which are placed on either side of the windpipe. Its main function is to release hormones; chemicals, which have powerful effects on many different functions of the body, the hormones that it secretes are T3, T4 and Calcitonin, which regulates the body’s metabolic rate. Excess of T3 and T4 makes people overcharged and one might lose weight. If people have less of these hormones, they might feel lethargic and gain weight.

Thyroid cancer is a rare kind of cancer hence risk is associated with it, which takes place in the gland at the base of the neck. A painless lump or an inflammation that develops in the neck is one of the most common symptoms of thyroid. Other symptoms show up when the condition reaches an advanced stage, which may include; inexplicable hoarseness, which lasts for more than a few weeks, difficulty in swallowing, which does not get better, a sore throat or a lump in or around the neck. Not everyone who has a lump in the thyroid gland has cancer, as one in twenty lumps turn out to be cancerous.

As per studies the number of thyroid patients in India is one-tenth of 48,000 Americans who are suffering from thyroid cancer. So, we can officially put around 5000 to 6000 patients in India are suffering from thyroid cancer. There are four primary types of Thyroid Cancers, Papillary Carcinoma, which is the most common type, Follicular Carcinoma, Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma, which is the rarest and the most aggressive type of thyroid cancer and usually affects the geriatric population over 60 years old.

Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men. The reason is not entirely clear though it can be a resultant of the hormonal changes linked to the female reproductive system.

Why does Thyroid Cancer happen?

In most cases, the cause remains unknown. However, there are a few risk factors in the thyroid cancer, which increase your chances of developing the condition; having a family history of thyroid cancer, weight, height and exposure to radiation.

TFT or Thyroid Function Test measures the hormone levels in the blood and rules out other thyroid problems. Clinicians might do further tests if the reason for lump remains unknown and the TFT comes out fine.

The treatment of thyroid cancer depends son the stage and type of the cancer, and one hundred percent cure is possible. Doctors normally treat the cancers of thyroid using mix of radiotherapy and surgery, which stops the cancerous growth. Cancerous cells can seldom reappear years after the surgery, your doctor will ask you to visit often so that it can be treated in time.

Eating healthy, whole grains, fruits and leafy vegetables is the best way to avoid getting thyroid cancer and all other types of cancer.

Tele Consult with our expert doctors at Oncoplus Hospital, Defence Colony, New Delhi, write to us info@oncoplus.co.in or call us at +91 85889 09091 to book an appointment.