What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. While thyroid cancer is relatively uncommon compared to other cancers, it is one of the fastest-growing cancer diagnoses globally — largely due to increased detection.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

• Papillary Thyroid Cancer: The most common type, accounting for around 80% of cases. It grows slowly and is highly treatable.
• Follicular Thyroid Cancer: Includes Hurthle cell carcinoma. It is the second most common and can sometimes spread to other organs.
• Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC): A rare type that can be hereditary. It begins in the C cells of the thyroid that produce calcitonin.
• Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: A very rare and aggressive form, typically affecting older adults and often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Statistics (2024)

• Over 586,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with thyroid cancer annually.
• More common in women than men — about 3 in 4 thyroid cancer cases are in women.
• The 5-year survival rate is over 98% for most early-detected cases, especially papillary and follicular types.
• Most patients are diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Radiation Exposure: Exposure to radiation, especially during childhood or for medical treatments, is a major risk factor.
• Family History: Having a parent or sibling with thyroid cancer, especially medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), increases your risk.
• Genetic Conditions: Conditions like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), Cowden syndrome, and familial medullary thyroid cancer.
• Sex and Age: Thyroid cancer is more common in women and often develops earlier in women than in men.
• Iodine Deficiency or Excess: Both too little and too much iodine in the diet can affect thyroid function and risk.
• Benign Thyroid Conditions: Goiters, nodules, and chronic thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis) can increase the risk of cancer.

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

• A painless lump or swelling in the neck
• Persistent hoarseness or voice changes
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Neck or throat pain
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Persistent cough not caused by a cold

Detection and Diagnosis

• Neck Ultrasound: Used to examine thyroid nodules and guide biopsies.
• Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy: The gold standard for diagnosing suspicious thyroid nodules.
• Blood Tests: To check thyroid function and markers like calcitonin or thyroglobulin (for monitoring post-treatment).
• Radioactive Iodine Scans and Imaging: Used to track spread and uptake of iodine in thyroid tissues.

Treatment Options

• Surgery: The most common treatment is thyroidectomy (removal of part or all of the thyroid gland). Lymph nodes may also be removed if the cancer has spread.
• Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI): After surgery, patients may receive radioactive iodine to destroy any remaining thyroid cells or small cancer remnants.
• Thyroid Hormone Therapy: Patients need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement to regulate metabolism and suppress TSH (which can stimulate cancer growth).
• External Beam Radiation: Used in more advanced or inoperable cases.
• Targeted Therapy: Newer treatments that target specific gene mutations (e.g., RET, BRAF). Often used for advanced thyroid cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Rarely used, but may be considered in very advanced, aggressive cases like anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Emerging Treatments and Research

• RET and BRAF Inhibitors: Targeted therapies that show promise in medullary and other aggressive thyroid cancers.
• Immunotherapy Trials: While still in early stages, immunotherapies are being explored for resistant and metastatic thyroid cancers.
• Liquid Biopsy: Researchers are developing blood tests to detect circulating tumor DNA, potentially enabling earlier detection and tracking recurrence.
• Molecular Profiling: Personalized treatment based on tumor genetics is becoming more common, especially in recurrent or aggressive cases.

September: Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

September is dedicated to Thyroid Cancer Awareness. The symbolic color is purple, teal, and pink. Join us in spreading the message and reminding others to check their necks regularly for unusual lumps or changes.

You’re Not Alone

At Tutti Cancer Warriors, we are here to stand with thyroid cancer fighters and survivors. Whether you are navigating your diagnosis or supporting someone you love, we are here to listen, connect, and uplift you.

“Check your neck. Catch it early. Keep thriving.” – Tutti Cancer Warriors 💜

Submit Your Dream Donate Peer Support

Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for individual diagnosis and treatment.