Thyroid Cancer Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the thyroid gland and can spread to other parts of the body. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck and produces hormones that regulate energy use, metabolism and protein production in the body. Thyroid cancer, when detected early, usually responds well to treatment and results in a low mortality rate. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give you information about thyroid cancer, types and stages of thyroid cancer, diagnosis and treatment methods.

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a tumor that starts in the thyroid gland and grows and develops. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck that produces hormones that regulate energy use, metabolism and protein production in the body. Although thyroid cancer is less common than other types of cancer, there has been an increase in the number of cases in recent years. Although it is usually seen after the age of 40, it can occur in any age group. Thyroid cancer, which is more common in women than men, can be successfully controlled with early detection and treatment.

What Are The Types of Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer can be classified into four main types;

Papillary thyroid cancer; It is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80% of thyroid cancer cases. It usually grows slowly and can spread to the lymph nodes. Good results can be obtained with early diagnosis and treatment.

Follicular thyroid cancer; This type, which accounts for about 15% of thyroid cancer cases, is mostly seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals. It tends to spread more rapidly than papillary thyroid cancer, but responds well to treatment.

Medullary thyroid cancer; This type, which accounts for 3-4% of thyroid cancer cases, originates from the C cells of the thyroid gland and in some cases is associated with genetic factors. Good results can be obtained with early diagnosis and treatment.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer; This type, which accounts for only 1-2% of thyroid cancer cases, has a very aggressive course and may be resistant to treatment. It is more common in older individuals and tends to spread rapidly.

What Are The Stages of Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer stages are determined by the size of the cancer, the extent of its spread, and the level of aggressiveness. The stages are as follows;

• Stage 1; The cancer is confined to the thyroid gland and has not yet spread. Successful results are usually obtained with early diagnosis and treatment.
• Stage 2; Cancer has grown in the thyroid gland and tends to spread to neighboring tissues. It is likely to respond well to treatment.
• Stage 3; The cancer has grown outside the thyroid gland and has spread to the lymph nodes. The treatment process may be more challenging, but there is a chance of success.
• Stage 4; The cancer has grown outside the thyroid gland and has spread to the lymph nodes and other organs. At this stage, the treatment process is more difficult and the chance of success is lower.

Consult your doctor for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer and do not neglect your regular check-ups. With early diagnosis and correct treatment methods, thyroid cancer can be controlled and quality of life can be preserved.

What Causes Thyroid Cancer?

Although the exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, it is thought to be associated with some risk factors and genetic predisposition.

Risk factors that cause thyroid cancer are:

• Radiation exposure,
• Family history,
• Gender and age,
• Iodine deficiency

What Are The Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer usually does not show any symptoms in its initial stages. However, as the cancer progresses, the following symptoms may occur;

• Swelling or mass in the neck,
• Hoarseness,
• Difficulty swallowing,
• Shortness of breath,
• Pain in the neck area,
• Enlargement of lymph nodes,

How Is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of thyroid cancer can be made by the patient’s complaints, physical examination and laboratory tests. The following methods can be used in the diagnosis process;

• Physical examination,
• Blood tests,
• Ultrasound
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy,
• Radioactive iodine scan,
• Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),

After the diagnosis of thyroid cancer is made, appropriate treatment methods are determined according to the patient’s condition and the stage of the cancer. These treatments include options such as surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, radiotherapy, and drug therapy.

How Is Thyroid Cancer Treated?

Thyroid cancer treatment varies depending on the patient’s general health status, the stage and type of cancer. In general, the treatment of thyroid cancer is carried out by the following methods:

• Surgery,
• Radioactive iodine scan,
• Hormone therapy,
• Radiotherapy,
• Chemotherapy,

How Is Thyroid Cancer Surgery?

Thyroid cancer surgery is the process of removing the thyroid gland or gland-related nodules completely or partially. Before the operation, the general health status of the patient is evaluated and necessary examinations are made. Thyroid cancer surgery is performed as follows;

Total thyroidectomy; In this procedure, the entire thyroid gland is removed. It is generally applied in large or disseminated cancers.

Lobectomy; In this procedure, only the cancerous part of the thyroid gland is removed. It is preferred in small and limited cancers.

Lymph node dissection; If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes close to the thyroid gland, these lymph nodes may also be removed during surgery.

Thyroid cancer surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and an incision is made in the patient’s neck. The duration of the operation and the recovery period depend on the stage of the cancer and the experience of the surgeon.

What Should Be Considered After Thyroid Cancer Surgery?

Here are some points that patients should pay attention to after thyroid cancer surgery;

• After the surgery, it is important for the patient to rest and act as suggested by the doctor. Heavy lifting and sudden movements should be avoided.

• It is important to keep the operation area clean and dry. Dressings should be applied as recommended by the doctor and care should be taken for signs of infection.

• After the surgery, the medications recommended by the doctor should be used regularly. Painkillers and antibiotics should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.

• After removing the thyroid gland, thyroid hormone deficiency may occur in the body. For this reason, hormone monitoring should be performed as recommended by the doctor and necessary medications should be used.

• After the operation, regular medical check-ups and necessary examinations should be done. In this way, early intervention can be made in case of recurrence or spread of the cancer.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Thyroid Cancer Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.