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This video provides information about thyroid cancer. Dr. Tushar Patil, a cancer specialist at Sahyadri Hospital, discusses the various aspects of thyroid cancer.

This video provides information about thyroid cancer. Dr. Tushar Patil, a cancer specialist at Sahyadri Hospital, discusses the various aspects of thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer predominantly occurs in females, similar to various thyroid diseases which are most commonly found in women. While thyroid cancer can also affect males, it is significantly more common in females.

The primary characteristic of thyroid cancer is a noticeable swelling or lump, which is often the first symptom that prompts patients to seek consultation. In many cases, this lump may not be cancerous; it could be a colloid goitre or a nodule associated with hyperfunctioning thyroid that does not require surgical treatment. Diagnosis involves conducting blood tests and ultrasound examinations to determine the possibility of cancer.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are not well understood. However, exposure to radiation and certain geographical areas with high radiation exposure have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The most common age group affected by thyroid cancer is between 30 and 50 years. There is also a specific type of aggressive cancer known as anaplastic thyroid cancer, which typically affects individuals aged 60 and above.

Thyroid cancer is highly treatable and curable, with a cure rate of approximately 99%, regardless of the stage at which it is diagnosed. This means that treatment is effective across different stages of the disease.

In addition to swelling, patients may experience other symptoms due to local compression, such as hoarseness or coughing if the swelling presses down towards the lungs.

The diagnosis of thyroid cancer involves several scans. Initially, an ultrasound is conducted to assess the extent of the swelling. If the ultrasound indicates a category three or above, the possibility of cancer increases, prompting a fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or biopsy to determine the presence of cancer.

For routine thyroid cancers, such as papillary or follicular thyroid cancer, the primary treatment involves total thyroidectomy, which is the complete removal of the thyroid gland. In cases where lymph nodes are affected, a lymph node dissection is also performed. Post-surgery, patients begin thyroid hormone and calcium supplements for several weeks. After that, a radioactive iodine scan is conducted to check for hidden disease.

If any cancer is detected during the radioactive iodine scan, radioiodine therapy can be administered to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. The treatment process is relatively straightforward, beginning with surgery and followed by the appropriate therapies.

In cases where thyroid cancer has metastasised, particularly to the lungs or bones, radioactive iodine treatment continues to be the primary approach until its effectiveness wanes. For patients with iodine-refractory cancer, medications such as lenvatinib and cabozantinib can be prescribed to manage the disease.

While the majority of thyroid cancer cases are highly curable, those with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma present a different prognosis. This aggressive form of thyroid cancer is typically found in elderly patients and has a very low cure rate, with patients surviving only six to nine months, regardless of treatment.

Thyroid cancer encompasses a broad spectrum of diseases, with most types being highly treatable. However, a small number of aggressive types have poor prognosis and require different treatment strategies. For any concerns regarding thyroid nodules, it is essential to seek ultrasound evaluations and proper medical assessments. Symptoms of cancer can vary, and diagnosis is typically confirmed through comprehensive testing.