What is Thyroid Cancer and How to Prevent it? | Dr P.K Das

WHAT IS THYROID CANCER AND HOW TO PREVENT IT?

The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck. It looks sort of like a butterfly with one wing on each side of the neck. The thyroid is important in many ways for keeping your body healthy.

The thyroid controls your metabolism with few hormones that help control many activities in the body, such as breathing and pumping blood. The thyroid helps children’s bodies develop as they grow up, including getting taller and putting on muscle. It helps control weight and is also involved in other functions.

When your thyroid is working properly, it will maintain the right amount of hormones to keep your metabolism at the right rate. As the hormones are used, the thyroid creates replacements. But, when your thyroid doesn’t work properly, it can affect your entire body. If your body makes too many thyroid hormones, it can develop a condition called hyperthyroidism. If your body makes too little thyroid hormones, it is called hypothyroidism.

WHAT CAUSES THYROID CANCER? Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, a small gland at the base of the neck that produces hormones.

It’s most common in people in their 30’s and those over the age of 60. Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop it than men.

Thyroid cancer is usually treatable and in many cases can be cured completely, although it can sometimes come back after treatment. Make sure you consult an expert like dr pk das cancer doctor to get the best consultation and treatment of thyroid cancer.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THYROID CANCER? Most thyroid cancers don’t cause any signs or symptoms early in the disease. As thyroid cancer grows, it may cause:    

Swollen lymph nodes in your neck Pain in your neck and throat Changes to your voice, including increasing hoarseness Difficulty swallowing

These symptoms can also come from other conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, consult a thyroid cancer doctor in Delhi right away. Don’t wait until the symptoms get worse.

TYPES OF THYROID CANCER There are 4 main types of thyroid cancer. Papillary and follicular carcinomas are sometimes known as differentiated thyroid cancers. They tend to be easier to treat than the other types. 

Papillary Carcinoma

It is the most common type, accounting for about 8 in 10 cases; it usually affects people under 40, particularly women. Most papillary thyroid cancers are small and respond well to treatment, even if the cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. A small portion of papillary thyroid cancers are aggressive and can grow to involve structures in the neck or spread to other parts of the body. 

Follicular Carcinoma

This type of cancer accounts for up to 1 in 10 cases and tends to affect middle-aged adults, particularly women. Follicular thyroid cancer cells don’t often spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. But some large and aggressive cancers may spread to other parts of the body.

Follicular thyroid cancer most often spreads to the lungs and bones.



Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

This thyroid cancer accounts for less than 1 in 10 cases; unlike the other types, it can run in families. This rare type of thyroid cancer begins in thyroid cells called C cells, which produce the hormone calcitonin. Elevated levels of calcitonin in the blood can indicate medullary thyroid cancer at a very early stage. 

Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma

This is one of the rarest and most serious types of thyroid cancer, accounting for around 1 in 50 cases; it usually affects people over the age of 60. This rare type of thyroid cancer grows quickly and can be difficult to treat. However, treatments can help lower the progression of the disease. Anaplastic thyroid cancer tends to mostly occur in people older than 60.

HOW TO PREVENT THYROID CANCER? 

Avoid Processed Food

A lot of chemicals can alter the thyroid hormone production. You may actively avoid consuming any kind of processed food, if you are on the edge of thyroid disorder. 

Avoid Eating Soy

One should limit their soy intake as it alters hormone production. Though recent research suggests eating soy is generally safe, it is probably best to do so in moderation. 

Stop Smoking

Cigarette smoke contains harmful toxins that can impact on your thyroid. These toxins released during smoking can make the thyroid gland over sensitive which may cause thyroid disorders. One of these is thiocyanate. This compound disrupts iodine uptake, which can block the production of thyroid hormones. 

Do A Neck Check

A thyroid neck check is one way to find a thyroid problem. This simple screening can be done at home in front of a mirror. This easy test can detect lumps and swelling if they’re close to the surface. Keep in mind, though, that many nodules can’t be seen or felt. Make sure to follow all the steps. If you feel or see anything unusual, you can consult dr pk das cancer specialist in Delhi. 

Reduce Your Stress

Stress is one of the major contributors in many health disorders including thyroid disease.

Make sure you live a healthy, happy and stress-free life. Regular exercise and meditation can be a great way to reduce your stress.