Navigating Thyroid Cancer: Essential Insights by Dr. Narayana Subramaniam

Introduction

In the intricate landscape of medical conditions, the thyroid gland and its potential afflictions hold a unique significance. Dr. Narayana Subramaniam here, Senior Consultant and Director of Head & Neck Surgery, as well as the Director of Clinical Innovation at SPARSH Hospital, Infantry Road. Join me as we embark on a comprehensive exploration of thyroid cancer, unraveling its intricacies, prevalence, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and the all-important question of its curability.

How Common is Thyroid Cancer and at What Age Does it Occur?

Thyroid cancer, a nuanced condition, exhibits distinct gender and age-related patterns. More prevalent in women, the estimated incidence in India stands at 3-4 cases per 1 lakh population for women and 1 case per 1 lakh population for men. Striking across age groups, from children to the elderly, thyroid cancer finds its most common ground in the 30 to 50-year age bracket. With my experience in the field, I’ll shed light on the four major types of thyroid cancer,with a particular emphasis on one of the most common thyroid cancers that is papillary carcinoma and its excellent response to treatment.

What are the Types of Thyroid Cancer

Classification of thyroid cancers depends on the cells involved in tumourous growth, such as:

• Papillary Thyroid Cancer: This cancer, the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80% of all thyroid cancers, is a slow-growing tumour often found in one thyroid lobe. With proper treatment, it usually has a good prognosis.
• Follicular Thyroid Cancer: This cancer has a higher potential to spread to nearby and distant organs and accounts for about 10-15% of thyroid cancers.
• Medullary Thyroid Cancer: This cancer can be sporadic or part of a genetic syndrome and accounts for about 3-4% of thyroid cancers.
• Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: This rare thyroid cancer has an aggressive nature, which means it grows rapidly and often spreads into surrounding tissue and other parts of your body. It accounts for about 1-2% of thyroid cancers.

What are the Signs of Thyroid Cancer?

Recognizing the subtle signs of thyroid cancer is pivotal for early intervention. The signs can be

• Movable lump in the front of the neck
• Alterations in voice
• Discomfort while swallowing
• The presence of a neck lump signaling lymph node involvement

Drawing on my expertise, I’ll also shed light on the occasional incidental discovery of thyroid cancer during unrelated neck scans and the rare instances where it presents as a rapidly growing, painful swelling in the neck.

What Causes thyroid cancer?

Some of the common causes of thyroid cancer are:

• Genetic Factors: A family history of thyroid cancer or inherited genetic syndromes can deeply affect your chances of developing this disease.
• Radiation Exposure: Being exposed to radiation, especially as a child, can silently raise the risk of thyroid cancer later in life.
• Gender and Age: Women, particularly those aged 30 to 60, are more often touched by this illness.
• Iodine Intake: Too little or too much iodine in your diet can unexpectedly influence the likelihood of thyroid cancer.
• Chronic Thyroid Conditions: If you have a history of thyroid issues like an enlarged gland, the risk of cancer can quietly increase.
• Hormonal Factors: Hormonal changes, especially related to estrogen, may play a hidden role in the higher rates of thyroid cancer in women.
• Obesity: Carrying extra weight might subtly raise the chances of facing this disease.
• Diet and Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle choices, like a high-fat diet or smoking, could slowly contribute to the risk of thyroid cancer, even if it’s not always clear how.

How is it Diagnosed? Should I Get Screened for Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Join me in exploring the diagnostic process, predominantly involving ultrasound scans of the neck and fine needle aspiration cytology. As a specialist, I’ll address the question of screening, emphasizing that routine screening may not be necessary for individuals without a family history of thyroid cancer, and why this cautious approach is crucial.

How is thyroid cancer treated?

The crux of thyroid cancer treatment often involves surgical removal of the thyroid gland, a procedure that may include excision of affected lymph nodes in the neck. I’ll guide you through the role of radioiodine therapy, a nuclear medicine intervention that proves effective in treating distant disease and reducing the risk of recurrence. Additionally, we’ll explore other treatment modalities such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, tailored to the specific type and stage of cancer.

Is Thyroid Cancer Curable?

In the realm of thyroid cancer, hope emerges in the statistics. Younger patients with papillary cancers boast nearly 100% survival at 5 years. I’ll delve into the factors influencing curability rates, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment guided by qualified specialists. Each patient’s journey is unique, and while advanced disease presents challenges, it does not necessarily equate to insurmountable obstacles.

Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of thyroid cancer together, armed with knowledge and a personalized approach, the journey becomes more manageable. Dr. Narayana Subramaniam at SPARSH Hospital, Infantry Road, is committed to shedding light on thyroid cancer, from its subtle signs to the intricacies of treatment and the hopeful prospects of curability. Join me in this exploration, empowering individuals to face thyroid cancer with resilience and optimism.

Yours in Health,

Frequently Ask Questions

What is the best solution for thyroid cancer?

The best way to treat thyroid cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Doctors often use surgery, radiation, or medicine.

How can thyroid cancer be stopped?

There’s no sure way to stop thyroid cancer. Early detection and proper treatment are key to a good outcome.

Can thyroid cancer be detected early?

Yes, thyroid cancer can often be found early with regular check-ups and by paying attention to changes in your neck.

Can thyroid cancer be prevented?

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent thyroid cancer, eating healthy, maintaining a normal weight, and regular check-ups can help reduce the risk.