Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month 2024 Symptoms Precautions Causes and Everything You Need to Know About the Disease

(By Dr. Manish Kumar, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon, ILS Hospitals, Howrah)

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer usually presents as a swelling or lump in the neck area, which is often the first noticeable symptom. This swelling may or may not be painful at first. As the cancer progresses, it may cause additional symptoms:

Neck pain: Some people may experience discomfort or pain in the front of the neck, which may occasionally radiate to the ears.
Voice changes: Because of the thyroid gland’s proximity to the vocal cords, the growth of a thyroid tumor can cause voice changes, such as hoarseness or a harsh tone.
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): As the tumor grows in size, it can press on the esophagus, making it difficult for a person to swallow food or liquids.
Respiratory difficulties: If the tumor presses on the trachea, it can cause difficulty breathing or a feeling of constriction in the throat.

Preventive measures and actions:

To reduce your risk of thyroid cancer or effectively control it:

• Avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation: Excessive or unnecessary radiation exposure, particularly to the head and neck region, should be minimized. This includes exposure to diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays and CT scans, especially in children.
• Early consultation with a doctor: If any of the symptoms appear, such as a lump in the neck, unexplained pain, voice changes or difficulty swallowing, it is essential to consult a health professional immediately.
• Early detection is key to effectively controlling and treating thyroid cancer.

Causes and effects of thyroid cancer

Causes:

• Family history of thyroid cancer: Genetic predisposition may play a significant role in the development of thyroid cancer. If close relatives have had thyroid cancer or certain types of cancer syndromes, the risk increases.
• Iodine-deficient diet: The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones. A diet low in iodine can lead to thyroid disorders, including cancer.
• Radiation Exposure: Previous exposure to radiation therapy, particularly to the head and neck region during childhood or adolescence, increases the risk of developing thyroid cancer.

Effects:

• Swelling and pain in the neck: One of the main symptoms is a noticeable swelling or lump in the neck area, which may or may not be painful.
• Possible spread to other organs: If thyroid cancer is not treated, it can metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, or lymph nodes, making it more difficult to treat and potentially fatal.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

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