There are several interventions to manage cancer of the thyroid, including ensuring that the patient’s airway is intact, maintaining a high-Fowler position, and encouraging the patient to avoid neck flexion. It is also important to avoid putting pressure on the suture line by supporting the head and neck with sandbags. Thyroid supplements may be necessary for the rest of the patient’s life. To learn more about these interventions, visit the American Cancer Society.
Thyroid cancer often presents with no symptoms, but some people experience hoarseness, sensitivity to heat or cold, and swollen neck lymph nodes. This cancer is the most common type of endocrine system cancer. Treatment is usually a combination of surgical removal and follow-up therapy. Some forms of thyroid cancer are aggressive, so it is important to seek medical care as early as possible. Although most cases of thyroid cancer are curable, they may be treatable.
Thyroid cancer is classified into different types based on the cell type and malignancy. Papillary cancer, for example, represents 80% of thyroid cancers, while anaplastic thyroid cancer, which makes up only 2%, is the fastest-growing type. This form of cancer often spreads throughout the body and is deadly. While thyroid cancer has a good prognosis if detected early, it should never be ignored.
Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers are similar. The former has a high cure rate. Follicular thyroid cancer, on the other hand, can invade nearby structures and blood vessels. The latter is difficult to treat because it has the potential to spread throughout the body. The cancer cells in the neck and jaw area can be affected by radiation, which increases the chances of recurrence. These cancers can also cause severe complications if not treated early.
