Thyroid cancer
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thyroid cancer is a malignant neoplasm that can occur with abnormal growth of cells inside the gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and resembles a butterfly in shape.
It produces hormones that are able to regulate energy consumption and ensure normal vital activity of the body. Thyroid cancer is one of the most uncommon species today. Usually it is noticed in the early stages and immediately subjected to qualitative treatment.
Epidemiology
Thyroid cancer statistics show how beneficial outcomes are, not exceeding favorable. The main role in this is played by the five-year and ten-year survival rate.
The first concept means that a certain percentage of patients live at least 5 years after they have been diagnosed with cancer. This does not at all mean that they died immediately after a given period of time. Some of the patients were not treated at all and completely cured. But at the same time they lived no more than 5 years. A similar statement applies to a ten-year survival rate.
These time periods are used because, within the framework of certain studies, the patient is observed only for 5-10 years. For some species, the concept of five-year survival is considered synonymous with complete cure.
The death rate from thyroid cancer is small. This disease is easily detected at an early stage and is immediately eliminated. Scary figures in all this is not. Thyroid cancer is safely treated, it is important to seek help in time.
Causes of the thyroid cancer
The causes of the development of the disease have not been fully established. But there are many factors that can cause a malignant neoplasm.
- Radioactive radiation. As studies show, in people exposed to hazardous substances on the body, the chance to get a malignant tumor is much higher.
- Radiation therapy in the head and neck area. Long-term irradiation can cause tumor growth, even decades later. Such influence leads to the fact that the cells of the human body become prone to mutations, active growth and division. All these processes can cause the appearance of papillary and follicular forms of tumors.
- Age over 40 years. Malignant tumors can appear in children, but this age is one of the most favorable for this action. In the process of aging there is a malfunction in the genes.
- Genetic predisposition. Scientists have identified a special gene that can transmit by inheritance. If a person has it, the probability of a malignant neoplasm is equal to 100%.
- Professional harm. Particularly dangerous is the work with ionizing radiation, workers in hot shops or activities that are associated with heavy metals.
- Stressful situations and bad habits. Strong emotional overstrain can lead to the development of depression, which significantly undermines immunity. Immune cells are fully responsible for the destruction of cancerous tumors. As for bad habits, tobacco smoke and alcohol can weaken the natural protection of the body from atypical cells.
To cause cancer of the thyroid gland can also chronic diseases. These include breast tumors, polyps of the rectum, multinodular goiter, benign tumors and nodules of the thyroid gland and diseases of female genital organs.
Symptoms of the thyroid cancer
Symptoms of the disease are clearly pronounced. The main feature is the presence of a node in the gland. In some cases it can cause hoarseness, there are symptoms of compression of the trachea and esophagus. Sometimes the pain syndrome manifests itself.
In children, the appearance of nodes is observed in 50% of cases. This phenomenon, which appeared in a pregnant girl, usually has a benign course. In people older than 40 years, the frequency of development of nodules increases by 10% with each subsequent year.
The main signs include the appearance of nodal formations or apparently an increase in lymph nodes. It is possible hoarseness of the voice, which should immediately alert, especially if there are no signs of pain in the throat. Over time, breathing becomes difficult and the swallowing process also becomes more complicated. In the field of the thyroid gland, painful sensations are observed. It is possible and shortness of breath, both after exercise, and during a calm state.
If you do not start treatment on time, the prognosis may not be comforting. Usually, after 40 years, thyroid cancer is characterized by the sprouting of metastases into the neighboring organs of the neck.
The first signs of thyroid cancer
The first signs of cancer are difficult to notice. Because in the early stages of the disease does not manifest itself particularly. Only with an increase in the size of the thyroid gland can the development of a serious process be suspected.
As soon as this happens, a person will begin to experience difficulties with swallowing food and breathing, it will be significantly more difficult. Usually malignant neoplasm manifests itself in the form of slight discomfort. First there is a painless lump in the throat, then the voice changes and there is an increase in the lymph nodes in the neck.
When the main signs of the disease appear, you should immediately seek help. In the early stages, the neoplasm is much easier to remove. It is important to diagnose the problem in time and begin effective treatment. Thyroid cancer is not so common and not particularly common, in comparison with other forms of the disease. Therefore, to cure it is much easier, the main thing is to start doing it right.
Lymph nodes in thyroid cancer
Lymph nodes in thyroid cancer can be significantly affected. In this case, it is not only about the type of tumor, but also the stage of its development. So, basically the thyroid gland itself is affected and in rare cases soft tissues around it.
Naturally, there are different criteria for this or that type of cancer. Therefore, in addition to the thyroid gland, lymph nodes can also be affected. When addressing the problem, special attention is also paid to this area. In addition to her can suffer bones, shoulders and even the spine.
In general, lymph node involvement occurs in the late stages of the disease. In this case, they resort to surgical removal of the problem. But much depends on what kind of cancer is involved. After all, basically the elimination of the problem occurs with the help of treatment based on radioactive iodine. Usually, such an intervention gives a favorable prognosis. Thyroid cancer requires rapid elimination, especially if there is a risk of developing metastasis.
Recurrent thyroid cancer
The recurrence of thyroid cancer can be of two kinds, local and regional. At the first variant there is a tumor process in a bed of a thyroid gland. Regional relapse involves the loss of lymph nodes.
When palpating pathology difficult to identify. This indicates that there are no signs of recurrence of the tumor. That is why patients are advised to do a more frequent examination. The ultrasound study helps to identify the problem most accurately.
Modern devices allow you to diagnose relapse quickly. Moreover, ultrasound has no contraindications and does not cause complications, so it can be done much more often.
In order to rule out relapse it is worthwhile to carry out treatment based on radioactive iodine. In addition, it is strongly recommended that the examination be carried out continuously. This will avoid the appearance of the tumor and eliminate it in case of relapse. It is advisable to undergo tests continuously, until the end of life. Thyroid cancer is a serious disease that needs to be corrected correctly.
Metastases for thyroid cancer
Metastases can appear in many organs. Cancer cells together with lymph or blood begin to spread gradually across all parts of the body. Usually there are two ways of metastasis - hematogenous and lymphogenic.
In the first variant, the main pathway is the lymph nodes, which are located in the jugular cavity, the lateral triangle of the neck, pre-horticultural and parotracheal lymph nodes.
In hematogenous metastasis, for most cases, the penetration of metastasis into the lungs and bones is characteristic. Much less often they can be found in the brain or other organs.
Bony metastases are often found in the ribs, pelvis, bones of the shoulders and hips. Usually they show themselves a persistent pain syndrome. Do not exclude fractures of bone, decreased appetite, constipation, nausea, vomiting and heart rhythm disturbances.
If the metastases are in the lungs, then sputum appears in the blood, chest pain, dry cough and shortness of breath. Sharply may appear increased fatigue and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
With metastases in the liver, weight loss, a feeling of bursting in the abdomen, nausea, fatigue and pressure in the right side may appear. Metastases in the brain cause permanent headaches, loss of sense of reality, vomiting and limited movements. That is why thyroid cancer still carries a certain danger.
Thyroid cancer in women
Thyroid cancer in women is similar to that of men. True, the fair sex is more likely to develop a malignant neoplasm than men.
In general, such a disease occurs in old age. The peak of the "activity" of cancer falls at the age of 65 years and above. However, at this age men also have a higher risk of getting sick. But all this can be eliminated by ordinary prevention.
That's why constant examinations at the doctor are of special benefit. After all, this way you can prevent the development of the tumor and notice it at an early stage. A timely examination will avoid many complications in the future. After all, the types of cancer are different and not all so easy to eliminate. Many of them have a very unfavorable prognosis, especially for the elderly. Thyroid cancer is both a simple and complex disease. Much depends on the stage at which it was discovered and what kind it belongs to.
Thyroid cancer and pregnancy
Thyroid cancer and pregnancy have always been a contentious issue. Each doctor has a special opinion on this topic. Someone believes that in any case you can not have a child, having a problem with the thyroid gland. Other specialists do not see this as a special problem.
Everyone knows that pregnancy is accompanied by pronounced hormonal and metabolic shifts. Significantly increases the production of many hormones, which significantly change hormones, which significantly change the immunological. All this can lead to a syndrome of cancrophilia, which can cause the growth of a malignant tumor.
Thyroid cancer often develops in women of childbearing age, and it is quite possible to have a child at this stage. This issue is gaining particular urgency. After all, the thyroid gland and the reproductive system are closely related. The first significantly affects all sexual functions of women. Pregnancy is accompanied by significant changes in the thyroid gland. As for the mechanism of hyperplasia, it is not completely clear. But for a number of studies it was proved that the content of thyroxine, triiodothyronine and TSH during pregnancy does not change much, and therefore, carries no danger.
Comparing cancer and pregnancy, there are many factors to consider. The risk of developing a tumor is always present. Therefore, the first thing is to determine for yourself exactly whether it is necessary to do so and talk about this with a doctor. After all, thyroid cancer is a serious disease that requires judicious decisions.
Thyroid cancer in men
Thyroid cancer in men is much less common than in women. Malignant thyroid gland formation in the structure of oncological diseases occupy only 2%. True, in recent years, the figure has begun to change significantly. Basically, the incidence rate has doubled.
Previously, it was believed that only people aged 40-50 years were affected by this disease. But every year any disease begins to "grow young". To date, cancer is found even in children, very rarely, but cases are all the same, noted.
But, despite the fact that the disease began to affect people of younger age, its negative impact is more affected by women. Therefore, they are advised to come more often to medical examinations and carefully monitor the condition of their own thyroid gland. But men also need to pay attention to health. After all, situations are different and thyroid cancer can occur at any time.
Thyroid cancer in children
Thyroid cancer in children is extremely rare. But this disease can occur in absolutely all age groups. In children under the age of 10 years, this phenomenon is very rare. There is one case per million.
In older children and adolescents, cancer can develop in 16% of cases, which is significantly higher than in the younger group. As it was repeatedly marked, the basic peak of morbidity is necessary for people at the age of 50 years. In recent years, the incidence rate of girls and adolescent girls has increased.
Thyroid cancer in children is rare and in many cases is well treatable. The main thing is to detect symptoms in time and go to a medical facility. The diagnosis is made on the basis of ultrasound and additional methods. Treatment is appointed quickly, on the basis of this or that case. Thyroid cancer in children is a rarity and in the case of the appearance of this problem, everything is quickly eliminated.
Where does it hurt?
What's bothering you?
Stages
There is a classification of thyroid cancer, which shows the main stages of the disease. This method was based on two parameters, the prevalence of the tumor and the age of the patient.
The prevalence is coded as follows: "T" - describes the prevalence of the primary tumor; "N" - describes how much the tumor is affected by regional lymph nodes, "M" - describes the presence of distant tumor metastases.
Prevalence of primary tumor
- T0 - primary tumor, with surgery in thyroid tissue not detected
- T1 - a tumor of 2 cm or less, within the thyroid gland. In some cases, a special supplement is used:
- T1a - tumor 1 cm or less, T1b - tumor more than 1 cm, but not more than 2 cm.
- T2 - a tumor more than 2 cm, but less than 4 cm, grows into a capsule of the gland.
- T3 - tumor more than 4 cm spread beyond the capsule of the thyroid gland - minimal.
- T4 - the tumor has two sub-stages:
- T4a is a tumor of any size that sprouts through the capsule into the subcutaneous soft tissues, larynx, trachea, esophagus or recurrent laryngeal nerve
- T4b is a tumor that grows the pre-inferior fascia, carotid artery, or chest vessels.
It's all about the spread of the tumor itself.
The presence of metastases
- NX - the presence of regional metastases can not be assessed
- N0 - complete absence of metastases
- N1 - the presence of metastases
- N1a - metastasis in the VI zone of the lymph drainage
- N1b - metastases in the lateral cervical lymph nodes from one or both sides, from the opposite side or into the chest lymph nodes
Remote metastases
- MX - the presence of metastases can not be assessed
- M0 - absence of metastases
- M1 - the presence of metastases
Thus, thyroid cancer is classified.
Complications and consequences
The consequences of thyroid cancer can be harmless. Any violations in the endocrine system of the body require medical advice. It must be understood that any alternative means can lead to serious consequences.
In most cases, the condition after removal of the thyroid gland is very satisfactory. The only difficulty that can arise is the hormonal balance. Because after this intervention, it may be a persistent hypothyroidism. True, the functions of the removed organ can be quite effectively shifted to hormonal preparations.
If a person does not comply with all medical prescriptions, then this can cause complications after removal of the thyroid gland and a sharp deterioration of the condition as a whole. It should be understood that any surgical intervention can have the same consequences. It can be a malfunctioning of many systems in the body, because there is no longer produced thyroxine and triiodothyronine. If you do not start taking certain hormonal medications on time, which are prescribed exclusively by your doctor, you can damage the laryngeal nerve. As a result, the voice loses its force and becomes low.
Cramps and numbness in the arms are not excluded. This is due to the removal or damage of parathyroid glands. Experiencing is not worth it, this condition is not long and the person quickly comes back to normal. Headaches are not excluded, especially after surgical intervention. Therefore, after thyroid cancer has been eliminated, it is necessary to constantly go for examinations and follow the doctor's recommendations.
Diagnostics of the thyroid cancer
Diagnosis of thyroid cancer is carried out by means of ultrasound. Of particular value is the study of the functions of the organ. Many malignant tumors do not have high hormonal activity.
Ultrasound can give an idea of the size, form of the thyroid gland and the presence of nodes in its parenchyma. Thus, nodes can be identified either as cysts, either as solid or as complex entities. Ultrasound can detect simple cysts, which rarely turn out to be tumorous, but at solid and complex sites it does not allow to differentiate benign and malignant formations.
Puncture biopsy. This method allows obtaining material for cytological studies. This technique is quite precise and specific. Complications does not cause. How to diagnose, the doctor decides. In addition to these methods, a blood test is taken. Thyroid cancer is not always easy to diagnose, so it is possible to use additional methods.
Analysis for thyroid cancer
Analysis for thyroid cancer is necessary, thanks to him you can determine the content of hormones. Handing over a common blood test is stupid, because for a long time there has been no change.
In the analysis, an increased level of calcitonin can be detected. If this is the case, then the person has a medullary cancer. This will determine the presence of the disease in the early stages.
As diagnostic purposes, a stimulation test with calcium and pentagastrin is used. It allows you to determine the level of calcitonin. If you deviate from the norm, you can diagnose the presence of this disease.
Determine also the level of thyroglobulin. It will allow to understand, how much it is expedient to use surgical treatment. After the operation, all patients are checked the level of triiodothyronine, thyroxine and TSH.
Histological analysis of the material is an important laboratory method, which is used to clarify the diagnosis and the purpose of appropriate treatment.
The use of J131 makes it possible to distinguish the papillary and follicular form of thyroid cancer. Analyzes are also important after thyroidectomy for the detection of metastases. Thyroid cancer requires some tests.
[22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27], [28], [29], [30], [31]
Oncomarkers
Cancer markers of thyroid cancer are high molecular compounds that are examined in blood, urine, and also on the surface of cells. They are isolated by malignant cells or normal in the presence of neoplasm.
It should also be noted that in some cases, the indicators of the oncomarker can stay in reference values, despite the presence of tumor formation.
To conduct this analysis, you need to conduct some training. It is advisable to donate blood on an empty stomach, one day before the analysis does not eat fatty and fried. It is recommended to completely exclude physical activity and the use of alcoholic beverages.
After the last meal, about 8 hours should pass before the test. Blood must be taken before the beginning of the drug treatment, or several weeks after its completion. If there is no way to cancel the medication, you just need to specify its name and dosage.
In addition, a few days before the study on oncomarkers should stop taking drugs containing iodine. Thus, thyroid cancer is diagnosed with this method.
C 73
With 73 thyroid cancer does not bear a favorable prognosis. The fact is that removing a tumor in old age is not easy. According to statistics, approximately 10% of elderly people have some pathology associated with the functioning of the thyroid gland. Often, it is about increasing or vice versa lowering its functions.
It can not be said that cancer often appears in the elderly, rather than young, this is not true. Basically, it affects people of middle age. But, the probability of getting this disease after 70 increases significantly. As the body ages, the proportion of malignant neoplasms increases among their total number. All this should cause some concern. After all, nodular goiter occurs among women older than 70 years quite often.
The main reason for this phenomenon lies in the physiological characteristics of the body. Emotional and physical activity is significantly reduced. All this significantly affects the course of diseases, especially oncological diseases.
Many diseases do not have such a symptomatology as at a "younger" age. Therefore, the clinical picture is not seen in its entirety. This leads to a significant difficulty in making the diagnosis. Weakened immunity leads to the appearance of malignant neoplasms. Therefore, thyroid cancer develops, which is not so easy to eliminate at this age.
Ultrasound signs
The uzi signs of thyroid cancer are conducted in order to detect this disease. So, for today it is the most simple and accessible method. It allows you to determine the structure of the thyroid gland, the appearance of foci, cysts and other formations.
Using ultrasound of the thyroid gland, its smallest changes can be detected, reaching 1-2 mm in diameter. Usually, this procedure is prescribed by an endocrinologist if there is a suspicion of thyroid dysfunction or malignant neoplasm.
Ultrasound can determine the size of the organ, its volume and the uniformity of the structure. This will help determine the presence of formations, their size, nature, shape. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out this procedure. It is by far the most common and effective in determining neoplasms. Cancer of the thyroid gland with ultrasound can be determined at any stage, if the tumor began to expand. You can see small foci, which require immediate elimination.
Hormones with thyroid cancer
Hormones in thyroid cancer can fluctuate significantly. A damaged body is not able to perform its functions in full, so it is necessary to help it, to do it.
The fact is that the hormonal background drops sharply. Naturally, in some cases everything can be the other way around. But basically, the thyroid gland is not able to answer for its direct functions, more precisely it is not able to fulfill them, which can lead to serious disorders in the body.
Usually, with organ cancer, it is removed partially or completely. This technique is the most effective. Because the options for the development of relapses are completely excluded.
The thyroid gland in the human body is responsible for many functions and after its removal it is necessary to maintain a normal state with the help of hormones taken. They are prescribed exclusively by a doctor, depending on the complexity of the operation performed and the stage of the disease. In this case, thyroid cancer recedes, but the main functions of the body remain beyond the hormones that are taken.
TTG
Thr with thyroid cancer may be below or above normal. This hormone is responsible for the exchange of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the human body.
It is a thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the formation of thyroid hormones. He is fully responsible for the sexual system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract and even for mental functions. Therefore, to admit the deviation of this hormone from the norm is by no means possible.
When the thyroid gland is damaged, the hormone is not excreted in the way. Therefore, many functions of the body may not be performed. If you suspect a malignant tumor, you should seek help from a doctor. He conducts all possible methods of diagnosis and "measures" the level of this hormone. If it is lower or elevated the problem is solved medically. In most cases, thyroid cancer is first removed, and then further therapy is prescribed.
Thyroglobulin
Thyroglobulin in thyroid cancer is a large protein that is part of the colloid of follicles of the thyroid gland.
Thyroglobulin is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum of thyroid cells and secreted into the lumen of the follicle. The increase in the concentration of TG in the blood is mainly due to diseases that occur with a violation of the thyroid gland or accompanied by iodine deficiency.
Usually, the increase of this hormone is observed with follicular and papillary thyroid carcinomas, diffuse toxic goiter and thyroiditis. It is not ruled out that the content is raised in benign thyroid adenoma.
It should be noted that the increase in thyroglobulin concentration in problems with the thyroid gland is observed only in a third of all patients. Therefore, fully rely on this indicator is not worth it. Thyroid cancer does not in all people lead to a strong jump in the content of this hormone.
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
Who to contact?
Treatment of the thyroid cancer
Operation with thyroid cancer is the best way to eliminate the problem once and for all. There are several basic techniques that allow you to perform an operation.
- Thyroidectomy. This procedure is a complete removal of the thyroid gland. This technique is used for cancer, diffuse and multi-site toxic goiter. Everything is done through a cut on the neck. If there is no possibility to remove all affected tissues, use the therapy with radioactive iodine.
- Subtotal resection. It implies the removal of the gland tissues, when several sites are left untouched. It is widely used for diffuse or multisensory toxic goiter.
- Hemithyroidectomy. This procedure involves the removal of half of the thyroid gland. Perform it in the presence of follicular neoplasm or nodular toxic goiter. In some cases, after this operation, radioiodine therapy is prescribed, which allows to get rid of residual tumor cells by means of the action of radioactive iodine. Thus, thyroid cancer is eliminated.
Thyroid cancer removal
Removing thyroid cancer is the most effective way to cope with the problem. Radical intervention depends entirely on the stage of the disease.
So, the removal is done by an experienced specialist in a hospital. In most cases, the thyroid gland is completely eliminated. The scope of radical intervention is prescribed by the doctor, depending on the complexity of the situation.
Removal is the only way to get rid of the problem once and for all. In this case there is no recurrence and the transferred operation carries no danger. True, the functions of the thyroid gland will have to perform ordinary hormonal tablets. Regarding this issue, it is worth consulting with a doctor.
Not all cases are deleted. At the initial stages, including zero ones, tumor growth can be slowed down with the help of medications. But in most cases, delete is used. This will not allow, to make the thyroid cancer come back again.
Food
Nutrition for thyroid cancer should be peculiar. It is obligatory to eat foods rich in iodine in the person's diet. Special attention should be paid to seafood. Among them are squid, cod liver, sea fish, sea kale and crab.
It is desirable to give preference to products of vegetable origin with a high content of iodine. They include persimmons, dates, mountain ash, black currants, cherries and apples. Among the vegetables are beets, potatoes, cabbage, garlic, radish and tomatoes. Do not ignore the greens. Particular preference is given to salad and onions. Among cereals, it is better to choose buckwheat and millet. A small amount of iodine was found in meat, milk, cottage cheese, cheese, egg yolk.
It is necessary to pay attention to the products of strugogenic products, they can not be consumed in large quantities. This cabbage, radish, carrots, spinach and Jerusalem artichoke. They can lead to the growth of the tissues of the thyroid gland. Such nutrition will not eliminate thyroid cancer, but it will greatly alleviate the condition.
Diet
The diet for thyroid cancer is made by a person independently, based on those foods that can be consumed. So, you can eat honey. And use it every day for 1-2 tablespoons.
Give preference to vegetable oil and melted butter (no more than 15-20 grams per day). It is advisable to eat any kinds of porridge. To cook them it is necessary on the cleared water without a butter, without vegetable oil and other additives.
In a limited amount, you can eat boiled or baked potatoes with peel. On the day it is allowed to eat it no more than 1-2 pieces. Positively affect the general condition of compote from dried fruits. Especially if you drink them for breakfast with oatmeal or muesli.
Preference is given to boiled salads, including vinaigrette and vegetable stew. You can prepare it from rutabaga, pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, lettuce, zucchini and Jerusalem artichoke. Suitable and raw salads with the same ingredients.
You need to drink vegetable decoctions, freshly squeezed juices and jelly. It is necessary to eat plenty of raw fruits, berries and vegetables. Every day it is recommended to eat 50 grams of walnuts. Weekly once you need to eat boiled beans, lentils, soybeans or beans.
With regard to flour, then you can eat only bread from coarse grinding or baked on hop with a spoon. Particular attention is paid to vitamin A and E. This is not the entire list of allowed products. Therefore, if a person has thyroid cancer, recommendations for nutrition can be given by the attending physician.
[40]
More information of the treatment
Prevention
Prevention of thyroid cancer is the implementation of certain rules. So, the probability of the development of the problem can be significantly minimized, it is only necessary to change the way of life.
A specific agent, thanks to which the prevention of thyroid cancer will be successful at 100%, does not exist at the moment. But, there are certain methods that can give some effect.
The first thing is to maintain a normal body weight and adhere to the foundations of a healthy diet. A diet based on a minimum of fats and a maximum of vegetables and fruits will have a positive effect on the body as a whole.
Prevention of this disease implies the elimination of iodine deficiency if necessary. For this, the use of iodized salt, sea kale and seafood is suitable.
It is necessary to limit the time spent by the TV or computer monitor. Children whose immediate relatives are sick with a medullary tumor form should be constantly monitored by doctors. Most importantly, thyroid cancer is never taken unawares, you should undergo a medical examination.
Forecast
The prognosis of thyroid cancer depends on the stage of the development of the disease. In most cases, this is a curable disease if a person has turned in time for help. But, cases with an unfavorable forecast should not be ruled out.
The papillary and follicular can best be treated, and these cases end well. It is only necessary to remove the affected parts of the body, as the disease itself will recede.
In its majority, thyroid cancer is the most cured cancer in a person. The frequency of favorable prognosis is high with proper treatment.
Not the most positive course in the medullary disease. But if you start everything in a timely manner, then the process ends well. The most unfavorable prognosis in anaplastic cancer. Often, it is diagnosed at a stage where it can not be cured. Therefore, when you get strange discomfort, you need to see a doctor. Thyroid cancer is both a simple and serious disease.
How many live with thyroid cancer?
Do you know how many live with thyroid cancer? Much depends on the stage of the disease. In most cases, after removing the tumor and quality therapy, people live more than 25 years.
Much depends on what stage of the cancer a person has. If it is a papillary or follicular appearance, then the prognosis is favorable. A person can live more than 25 years. But at the same time he must constantly be observed by the doctor. After all, relapses are not excluded.
In the medullary course of the disease, life expectancy can be significantly reduced. Much depends on the quality of the operation and therapy. Naturally, a great role is played also by the time when a person turned for help. With anaplastic neoplasm, the chances are quite small. Cancer of the thyroid gland in this case is almost impossible to cure.
Life expectancy largely depends on the person himself. After all, everything affects this process, from the stage of the development of the disease and ending with the way of life that is being maintained after the problem is eliminated. Thyroid cancer is a kind of disease that requires immediate elimination.
Survival
Survival in thyroid cancer largely depends on the stage of the disease itself. In general, everything is pretty positive. But this affects the age of the person. After 60 years, the tolerance of malignant neoplasm is not so good.
In this issue, much depends on what kind of cancer is involved. If it is a papillary or follicular formation, then the survival rate is at a high level. In this case everything is done quickly. The tumor is eliminated, complex therapy is carried out and all. A person will not only survive, but will live more than 25 years. But you always need to be under the supervision of a doctor.
If this is a medullary type of tumor, then much depends on how quickly a person turned for help. You can eliminate the problem, but the process itself is complex. But the survival rate is also at a relative level.
With anaplastic cancer, everything is much more complicated. It is almost impossible to cure. That's why survival is pretty low. Thyroid cancer is a disease requiring timely treatment.
Life after thyroid cancer
Life after thyroid cancer almost does not differ from the previous one. The only thing, now constantly have to undergo a medical examination. This will avoid the occurrence of relapse.
If the thyroid gland has been completely removed, you will have to take special hormonal medications. They will allow you to perform the functions of a remote organ. Without them, the body will not be able to function properly. Regarding this issue, it is worth consulting with a doctor. But in most cases, taking hormonal drugs is a must. Because the functions of the thyroid gland can not "work" in full.
We will have to pay special attention to nutrition. It is advisable to eat exceptionally healthy food. You can play sports, but at the same time the load should be moderate. It is important to monitor your own condition and in this case you will be able to live at least 25 years. Thyroid cancer is not a sentence, after it can be a long and happy life.
Disability
In some cases, disability is prescribed for thyroid cancer. There are several main groups of disabilities. So, with thyroid cancer, there is a possible violation of the shoulder joint function as a result of tumor damage. In addition, a person may lose the opportunity to speak or have problems with voice formation. Such people are assigned the third group of disability.
In severe hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism of grade II, bilateral damage to the recurrent nerve with respiratory failure, non-radical treatment, or questionable prognosis in radically treated patients, a second degree of disability can be assigned.
In severe hypothyroidism with the development of myocardial dystrophy and CH III degree or severe myopathy, recurrence of undifferentiated cancer or severe hypoparathyroidism, the first group of disability is assigned.
The conclusion concerning this issue is given by the attending physician, who diagnosed thyroid cancer and was engaged in the treatment of this disease.