Thyroid Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops 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. When detected early, thyroid cancer typically responds well to treatment and results in low mortality rates. In this article prepared for you, we will provide information about what you need to know about thyroid cancer, types and stages of thyroid cancer, and diagnosis and treatment methods.

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a tumor that begins and grows in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck that produces hormones regulating energy use, metabolism, and protein production in the body. Although thyroid cancer is less common than other types of cancer, an increase in the number of cases has been observed in recent years. Although it is generally seen after age 40, it can occur in any age group. Thyroid cancer, which is more common in women than in 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; This is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of thyroid cancer cases. It usually grows slowly and can spread to lymph nodes. Good results can be achieved with early detection and treatment.

Follicular thyroid cancer; This type accounts for approximately 15% of thyroid cancer cases and is more common in middle-aged and elderly individuals. It has a tendency to spread faster than papillary thyroid cancer, but responds well to treatment.

Medullary thyroid cancer; This type 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 achieved with early detection and treatment.

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

What are the Stages of Thyroid Cancer?

The stages of thyroid cancer are determined by the size of the cancer, its spread, and its level of aggressiveness. The stages are as follows:

• Stage 1; The cancer is limited to the thyroid gland and has not yet spread. Generally, successful results are obtained with early detection and treatment.

• Stage 2; The cancer has grown in the thyroid gland and tends to spread to adjacent tissues. The likelihood of responding well to treatment is high.

• Stage 3; The cancer has spread outside the thyroid gland and to the lymph nodes. The treatment process may be more difficult, but there is a chance of success.

• Stage 4; The cancer has spread outside the thyroid gland, to the lymph nodes, and to other organs. In this stage, the treatment process is more difficult and the chance of success is lower.

For thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment, consult your doctor and do not neglect regular check-ups. With early detection and appropriate 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 certain risk factors and genetic predisposition.

Risk factors that cause thyroid cancer include:

• Radiation exposure,

• Family history,

• Gender and age,

• Iodine deficiency,

What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?

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

• Neck swelling or mass,

• Hoarseness,

• Difficulty swallowing,

• Shortness of breath,

• Neck pain,

• Lymph node enlargement,

How is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

Thyroid cancer can be diagnosed based on the patient's complaints, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The following methods can be used in the diagnostic process:

• Physical examination,

• Blood tests,

• Ultrasound,

• Fine needle aspiration biopsy,

• Radioactive iodine scan,

• Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),

After thyroid cancer is diagnosed, appropriate treatment methods are determined based on the patient's condition and the cancer stage. Among these treatments are 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 condition, cancer stage, and type. In general, thyroid cancer treatment is carried out using the following methods:

• Surgery,

• Radioactive iodine therapy,

• Hormone therapy,

• Radiotherapy,

• Chemotherapy,

How is Thyroid Cancer Surgery Performed?

Thyroid cancer surgery is usually the complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland or nodules attached to it. Before surgery, the patient's general health condition is evaluated and necessary tests are performed. Thyroid cancer surgery is performed as follows:

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

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

Lymph node dissection; If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the thyroid gland, these lymph nodes can 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 surgery and recovery period depend on the cancer stage and the surgeon's experience.

What Should Be Considered After Thyroid Cancer Surgery?

Some points that patients should pay attention to after thyroid cancer surgery are:

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

• It is important to keep the surgical site clean and dry. Dressing should be done as recommended by the doctor and care should be taken for signs of infection.

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

• After the thyroid gland is removed, thyroid hormone deficiency may develop in the body. For this reason, hormone monitoring should be done as recommended by the doctor and necessary medications should be used.

• After surgery, regular doctor visits should be made and necessary tests should be performed. In this way, early intervention can be made if the cancer recurs or spreads.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has achieved recognition worldwide through its investments and efforts in healthcare. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have brought hope to many diseases. Furthermore, there has been an increase in medical tourism to Turkey.

• Hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being specialist, successful, and talented in their field,

• Nurses and healthcare workers being friendly and compassionate,

• Providing quick and correct answers to questions asked,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company assisting the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering opportunities for vacation with its natural and historical beauty,

• Easy access and transportation,

• Affordable costs for diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, beverages, clothing, and vacation needs,

are among the reasons for preference. Regarding Thyroid Cancer Treatment Costs in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives who wish to come to Turkey are conducting research. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide exact pricing information. Many factors such as the type and stage of the disease, diagnostic process, treatment process, and length of stay in Turkey affect pricing. If you would like to obtain more detailed pricing information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our mediation, we can facilitate your visa application process with an invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.