Thyroid cancer can affect anyone, but it most commonly affects people between 30 and 50 years old. Women are much more likely to develop this condition than men. There are various types of this cancer, and the names of each type refer to how the cancer appears under a microscope. There are three main types of PTC, or primary thyroid cancer. Follicular thyroid cancer, or FTC, is the fastest growing and most aggressive type. Both are classified as PTC types, but they differ in certain ways.
Most people with thyroid cancer have no symptoms. However, symptoms can include a lump in the throat, hoarseness, and swollen lymph nodes. Thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine system cancers, and it can be treated through surgery and follow-up therapies. While most thyroid cancers are benign, some forms are aggressive and require aggressive treatment. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit a doctor.
Familial MTC is very rare and usually occurs in only one generation. Family members with this type of cancer are at higher risk of developing the disease. Familial MTC usually begins in childhood and can spread early. The tumor may affect both lobes. Symptoms vary greatly between families, but the disease has an excellent prognosis. For those who are at risk of getting this disease, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment options for thyroid cancer are determined by the stage of the cancer and its response to treatment. After initial treatment, thyroid tumor markers are regularly checked to determine if additional treatments are necessary. Patients should have a support system to review medical bills and engage their health insurance provider in a proactive manner. Often, the treatment is not sufficient to eradicate all signs and symptoms of the disease. This is why young adults with thyroid cancer are at risk for bankruptcy, largely due to the high costs of healthcare.
Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer. Although it can occur at any age, it typically affects people between the ages of 30 and 50 years. Although most patients with papillary thyroid cancer will respond to treatment, some may have an aggressive form of the disease and spread to lymph nodes in the neck. It is not uncommon for papillary cancer to spread to other parts of the body, so a diagnosis of this kind is important.
The cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, but it involves the development of changes to the DNA of the thyroid cells. These DNA changes cause thyroid cells to grow, multiply rapidly, and live longer than normal. If left untreated, a thyroid cancer tumor may spread to nearby tissues, such as the lymph nodes in the neck, lungs, or bones. Thyroid cancer is often fatal. However, if detected early, treatment is the key to preventing a cancerous growth from forming.
Fortunately, thyroid cancer is highly treatable. It usually presents with no symptoms and is often detected during an incidental exam. Fortunately, treatment options have advanced considerably in recent years, with the disease now being the most curable among all types of cancer. There are two main types of thyroid cancer: anaplastic and medullary. Although a majority of thyroid cancers are follicular and papillary, the latter type is more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body.
