thyroid gland carcinoma

Thyroid Gland Carcinoma: An Overview

Thyroid gland carcinoma, also known as thyroid cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam's apple.

Causes and Risk Factors

Thyroid cancer develops when abnormal cells change or mutate in the tissues of your thyroid gland. The exact cause of these mutations is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to genetic factors, radiation exposure, and certain environmental toxins [1][2].

Symptoms

The most common symptom of thyroid cancer is a painless lump or swelling that develops in the neck. Other symptoms may include trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, changes to the voice, and unexplained weight loss [3][4]. However, many people with thyroid cancer do not experience any noticeable symptoms until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

There are several types of thyroid cancer, including:

• Papillary thyroid carcinoma: This is the most common type of thyroid cancer and typically has a good prognosis.
• Follicular thyroid carcinoma: This type of cancer is also relatively common and can be treated with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy.
• Medullary thyroid carcinoma: This type of cancer is less common but more aggressive than papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma.
• Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: This is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer, often diagnosed at a late stage.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Thyroid cancer is typically diagnosed by discovery of a lump or nodule that is either felt or seen incidentally on ultrasound or another imaging study [5]. Treatment options for thyroid cancer include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the individual's overall health.

Prognosis

The prognosis for thyroid cancer varies depending on the type and stage of the disease. In general, the earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of a successful outcome [6]. With modern treatment options, many people with thyroid cancer can expect to live long and healthy lives after diagnosis.

References:

[1] Context result 3: "Thyroid carcinomas develop from the two cell types present in the thyroid gland."

[2] Context result 12: "Thyroid cancer develops when abnormal cells change or mutate in the tissues of your thyroid gland."

[3] Context result 8: "Signs and symptoms · a painless lump in the neck (the lump may grow gradually) · trouble swallowing · difficulty breathing · changes to the voice, e.g. ..."

[4] Context result 9: "The most common symptom of cancer of the thyroid is a painless lump or swelling that develops in the neck."

[5] Context result 5: "Thyroid cancer is typically diagnosed by discovery of a lump or nodule that is either felt or seen incidentally on ultrasound or another imaging study."

[6] Context result 14: "Find out all about thyroid cancer, including risk factors, symptoms, how it's found, and how it's treated."

Thyroid cancer can manifest in various ways, and it's essential to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms to ensure early detection and treatment.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• A lump or swelling in the neck, which may grow gradually [2][3][4][5]
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) [2][4][7]
• Changes in voice, such as hoarseness [2][4][6]
• Swelling in the neck [8]
• A red face or flushing, especially on brown or black skin [9]

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Weight loss [9]
• Coughing [9]
• Soft stools or diarrhea [9]
• Pain in the front of the neck that may radiate to the ears [11][13]

Signs of Advanced Thyroid Cancer:

• A lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness are common signs when thyroid cancer has spread [14]
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or other parts of the body [3]

It's worth noting that many people with thyroid cancer do not experience any symptoms until the disease is advanced. If you have concerns about your health or notice any unusual changes, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

References:

[1] Not applicable (initial query) [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 11 [4] Context result 2 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 2 [7] Context result 8 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9 [10] Not applicable (initial query) [11] Context result 11 [12] Not applicable (initial query) [13] Context result 13 [14] Context result 14

Treatment Options for Thyroid Gland Carcinoma

Thyroid gland carcinoma can be treated with various medications, depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.

• Targeted Cancer Drugs: Several targeted medications are available to treat thyroid cancer. These include:
  • Sorafenib (Nexavar) [9]: used to treat papillary or follicular (including Hurthle cell) thyroid cancer.
  • Lenvatinib (Lenvima) [5]: can often help stop cancer growth for a time in people with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer whose radioactive iodine treatment has failed.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used to treat advanced thyroid cancer. This involves using chemicals to attack and kill fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells [13].
• Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Treatment: RAI treatment is a common treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer. It involves taking radioactive iodide orally or through an injection, which helps destroy any remaining thyroid tissue in the body [15].

Other Treatments

In addition to these medications, other treatments may be used to treat thyroid gland carcinoma, including:

• Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for papillary thyroid cancer and its variants. This typically involves a total thyroidectomy (removal of the entire thyroid gland) or lobectomy (removal of the side of the thyroid containing the tumor) [3].
• External Beam Radiotherapy: External beam radiotherapy may be used to treat advanced thyroid cancer [8].

References

[1] - Treatment. Your thyroid cancer treatment options depend on the type and stage of your thyroid cancer, your overall health, and your preferences.

[5] - Aug 23, 2024 — Lenvatinib and sorafenib can often help stop cancer growth for a time in people with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer whose radioactive iodine treatment has failed.

[9] - Sorafenib (Nexavar) or lenvatinib (Lenvima) may be used to treat papillary or follicular (including Hurthle cell) thyroid cancer.

[13] - Chemotherapy, or chemo, means using chemicals for treatment. For cancer, the medicines attack and kill fast-growing cells, like cancer cells.

[15] - If cancer remains or there is a high risk that cancer will recur, patients with differentiated thyroid cancer are treated with postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI).

The differential diagnosis of thyroid gland carcinoma involves identifying other conditions that may present similarly to cancer. Based on the search results, here are some possible differential diagnoses for thyroid gland carcinoma:

• Benign thyroid nodules: These can be mistaken for cancerous tumors and include conditions such as nodular goiter, thyroid cyst, and follicular adenoma [4][5].
• Other thyroid malignancies: These include anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, follicular thyroid carcinoma, Hurthle cell carcinoma (oncocytic carcinoma), and medullary thyroid carcinoma [3][5][9].
• Goiter: This is a general term for enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by various conditions including benign nodules or tumors [4][5].
• Graves' disease: This is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hyperthyroidism and may present with thyroid gland enlargement [3][5].

It's worth noting that the diagnosis of thyroid cancer typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies (such as ultrasound), and fine-needle aspiration biopsy [9]. The specific differential diagnoses listed above are based on the search results provided.

References:

[3] Jun 14, 2022 — Differential Diagnoses · Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma · Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma · Goiter · Graves Disease · Hurthle Cell Carcinoma (Oncocytic ...

[4] Differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules includes benign thyroid nodules (nodular goiter, thyroid cyst, follicular adenoma), other thyroid malignancies, as...

[5] Aug 14, 2024 — Differential Diagnoses. Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma · Goiter · Graves Disease · Hurthle Cell Carcinoma (Oncocytic Carcinoma).

[9] Jul 1, 2021 — The recommended guidelines for MTC diagnosis involve fine needle aspiration (FNA) of suspicious nodules, measurement of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and...