As you approach middle age, symptoms gradually begin to manifest. One of the most common is fatigue, which can dramatically affect the ability to perform everyday activities. In addition, changes in physical appearance, such as in hair, nails, or skin, and other vague complaints that can be attributed to aging, diet, stress, or a host of other factors, may begin to emerge. As a busy woman with family and professional responsibilities, I often miss these subtle warning signs.
Unfortunately, when a doctor finally makes the diagnosis of an underactive thyroid due to cancer, it's usually a shock. It's hard to accept that a serious illness can develop silently, without causing visible symptoms over a long period of time. It's important to remember that thyroid cancer is relatively rare, but it can be successfully treated if caught early. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the warning signs and have regular tests to detect any abnormalities.
Understanding the risks and symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid is crucial to maintaining good health. Lack of energy and other related symptoms can lead to a significant impact on personal and professional life. For this reason, it is essential to seek immediate medical care if an underactive thyroid is suspected , even if the symptoms seem vague or insignificant. That way, we can ensure early detection and proper treatment to ensure a healthy and productive life.
THYROID CANCER: COMMON IN WOMEN
Thyroid disorders are more prevalent in women due to the role of hormones, which vary between genders. Up to 80% of women are affected by thyroid nodules, but only 5% to 15% of these lumps and bumps are malignant. However, with advances in testing and diagnostics, it is possible to detect thyroid tumors earlier and earlier. Unfortunately, this means that thyroid cancer is becoming the third most common type of cancer.
While the words "malignant" and "cancer" can be scary, most thyroid cancers are highly treatable, even when the cancer cells spread to nearby lymph nodes, which they often do. In fact, with thyroid cancer, we talk about prognosis in terms of 20-year survival, rather than five-year survival as we do with other cancers. This is because thyroid cancer is generally a slow disease and there is a 98% to 99% 20-year survival rate.
Although most thyroid nodules are not cancerous, it is essential for women to maintain regular medical follow-up and have regular imaging tests to detect any abnormalities. In many cases, a nodule can be monitored over time to make sure it doesn't grow larger or cause worrisome symptoms. When treatment is needed, doctors usually opt for surgery or radiation therapy, followed by hormone therapy to replace thyroid hormones that have been removed or destroyed. It is important to remember that every case is unique and that patients should discuss available treatment options with their physicians to determine the best plan for their specific situation.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THYROID CANCER?
Symptoms of thyroid cancer are often difficult to identify, as they resemble other, less serious health conditions. Among them, we can highlight the appearance of a lump in the neck or swelling in the thyroid region, swollen glands, unexplained hoarseness, difficulty speaking, persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing. While these symptoms can be caused by a number of conditions, including thyroid inflammation or infections , they can also be a sign of thyroid cancer. Therefore, it is essential that people are aware of any changes in their health and seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis.
It is important to note that thyroid cancer is relatively rare and accounts for only about 1% of all cancer cases. However, it is a serious condition that can lead to the spread of cancer to other parts of the body if not treated properly. Therefore, it is crucial that people are aware of the symptoms and risk factors associated with thyroid cancer, such as a family history of thyroid cancer, exposure to radiation, among others, and seek medical attention immediately if they suspect any thyroid-related issues.
THYROID CANCER DIAGNOSIS
When a woman or her doctor detects a thyroid lesion through an X-ray, the next step in diagnosis is usually a lab test followed by an ultrasound, which provides a lot of information about the nodule, according to Russell. Depending on the size of the nodule, doctors may recommend careful observation or performing a fine-needle aspiration, a procedure in which the doctor takes a sample of cells from the nodule to examine them under a microscope.
According to Russell, approximately 70% of nodule biopsies show that the nodule is benign, while 25% are inconclusive and the remaining 5% reveal the presence of cancer. Importantly, an inconclusive result does not necessarily mean the nodule is malignant, but it may require further testing or careful monitoring to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis.
THYROID CANCER TREATMENT
Surgery is often the preferred choice for treating thyroid cancer, which involves removing the thyroid and any affected lymph nodes. After surgery, the patient will need to take thyroid hormones to compensate for the loss of the gland and radioactive iodine to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
However, traditional thyroidectomy leaves a noticeable scar on the front of the neck. Despite this, some thyroid cancer survivors don't mind the thyroidectomy scar and consider it an honor. For those who wish to avoid scarring, the scarless thyroidectomy technique can be an attractive alternative to the traditional approach.
Initially skeptical of the new approach, Russell went to study the technique in Thailand and observed that scarless thyroidectomy could be a valuable alternative to the traditional approach. Today, Russell's clinic is a leader in performing scar-free thyroidectomies and trains surgeons around the world to safely and effectively perform this advanced procedure.
WHAT CAUSES THYROID CANCER?
Most cases of thyroid cancer are considered sporadic, meaning that there is no known specific cause. However, there are some risk factors that can increase the chance of developing cancer, such as a family history or exposure to radiation. It is important to remember that there is a specific type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer, which can be passed down from generation to generation in the family.
Radiation exposure is a common risk factor for developing thyroid cancer. Especially in the past, radiation treatment for other types of cancer may have put some people at risk of developing thyroid cancer. Importantly, exposure to radiation during childhood or adolescence increases the risk of developing thyroid cancer, which emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, such as avoiding unnecessary exposure to radiation.
If you believe you are at risk of developing thyroid cancer, it's important to talk to your doctor. They may recommend regular checkups and thyroid monitoring to catch any changes early. Additionally, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce your risk of developing thyroid cancer and other cancers.
WORKING ON RECOVERY
Recovery after a successful thyroidectomy can take several weeks and may require you to take time off work during this time. During recovery, it is necessary to adjust the dosage of thyroid hormones to meet the patient's individual needs and ensure that your body is receiving the proper amount of hormones.
For women with thyroid problems, Dr. Russell advises finding a doctor who will listen to your concerns and symptoms. He stresses the importance of being taken seriously and getting the treatment you need to regain your health and energy, especially during such a busy time in life. Additionally, he encourages women not to hesitate to seek medical help if they notice any symptoms or changes in thyroid function.
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