The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland present on the floor of the neck. Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating metabolism, growth, and brain development. Thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal growth of cells starts in the gland. This condition might not show any symptoms at first but with time it grows and can cause signs and symptoms, such as swelling in the neck area, voice changes, and difficulty swallowing.
Thyroid hormones can affect nearly every organ in our body and control many functions. So, it is always advisable to seek medical help when diagnosed with a condition related to the thyroid gland.
Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer
For thyroid cancer diagnosis, the doctor may recommend certain tests, which are listed below.
Physical Examination :
The doctor will examine the neck of the patient to feel for any lumps in the thyroid and ask for details regarding any previous exposure to any radiation and family history of thyroid cancer.
Thyroid function test :
It involves a blood test to check the levels of various thyroid hormones like T4, free T4, T3, and TSH. The quantity of measured thyroid hormones in blood will help the doctor assess the health of the thyroid gland.
Biopsy :
A biopsy is performed by removing a small sample of tissue from the thyroid gland to check for the presence of cancerous cells. The fine needle aspiration technique is usually employed for this. Biopsy helps confirm the diagnosis of cancer. However, some types of thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, and Hurthle cell thyroid cancer do not give a proper result with this test. In such a case, another biopsy is done or the healthcare provider may remove the thyroid nodule for molecular marker testing.
Ultrasound test :
In ultrasound scanning, images of the thyroid gland are created by high-frequency sound waves. The appearance and stage of the thyroid nodule can be analysed by the test and from the images.
Imaging test using a radioactive tracer :
In this procedure, radioactive iodine is injected into the veins of the patient or asked to swallow. If thyroid cancer cells are present in the body, they will take up this iodine. A special camera will detect the radioactive emission from the area and a computer connected to it produces the image.
Imaging tests :
Computed Tomography (CT) scan :
This technique uses powerful X-ray to take a series of images and finally a computer creates a detailed picture of the body part.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) :
This scan is done to take a three-dimensional image to look for thyroid nodules.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) :
It is a powerful technique that uses magnetism and radio waves to make pictures of the thyroid gland.
Genetic testing :
Medullary thyroid cancers are known to be caused by genetic inheritance from parents to children. If a person is diagnosed with this cancer, it is advisable to meet a genetic counselor to conduct genetic testing.
Conclusion
Thyroid cancer treatment type is determined based on the age of the patient, the type and stage of the nodule, and the overall health. Most thyroid cancers are curable with the appropriate therapy. Undergoing regular health check-ups can help diagnose the condition at the earliest. After treatment, the patient needs to take synthetic thyroid hormones for the whole life to support vital body functions. Many health insurance policies cover the treatment expense of several types of cancer. This will ease the financial burden on patients.