It is important to ensure that you have the financial support you need to understand the costs of your treatment. It is recommended that you have an advocate who can carefully review your medical bills and actively engage with your insurance provider. It is also important to seek the services of a licensed cancer doctor for more information. We have compiled a list of resources for people dealing with cancer.
To diagnose thyroid cancer, a doctor will perform a thorough clinical evaluation, which includes a detailed history of your symptoms, physical exam, and specialized blood tests. A fine needle aspiration biopsy is also commonly used. The surgeon will use this sample to determine if the nodule is cancerous or benign. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient will likely be referred to a surgeon for treatment. A doctor will discuss the best option for treatment with you, based on his or her findings.
Treatment options for thyroid cancer will depend on the type of cancer and the stage it was found in. Papillary thyroid cancer has the best prognosis and can be cured with effective treatment. Unfortunately, at least 20% of patients will have lymph nodes involved when diagnosed. Despite its poor prognosis, lymph node involvement can improve the chances of recurrence, which is why diagnosis of thyroid cancer early is essential.
While most papillary thyroid cancers do not cause symptoms, some people will notice a visible or palpable mass. Some people may also experience compressive symptoms, such as trouble swallowing, food getting stuck in the throat, or feeling pressure in the neck when lying flat. Advanced cancer may also invade nearby structures and make it difficult to swallow or speak. Non-tender lymph nodes in the neck are indicative of cancer. Having firm or non-growing lymph nodes is another red flag.
Ultrasound is often an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. A physician will perform a biopsy or other diagnostic tests if a patient’s thyroid cancer is located near lymph nodes. This may result in the overtreatment of the thyroid, causing severe side effects and hefty financial costs. However, a thyroid cancer diagnosis by ultrasound should never be dismissed out of hand. There is no need to undergo unnecessary surgery if your cancer is small.
The increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer among women is likely due to a larger use of imaging. Imaging helps doctors detect small thyroid cancers that may otherwise go undetected. However, environmental factors can also play a role. In addition to imaging, doctors may also look for other causes of an imbalance in the thyroid. Some environmental factors are associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer in women. So, if you’re a woman, you should take extra precautions to protect your thyroid.
Thyroid cancer can develop at any age. Certain factors increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer, including family history of the disease and chronic goiter. Most thyroid cancer is benign and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. It can also be genetic. Fortunately, most thyroid cancers are curable, and despite its high mortality rate, it can be treated. In many cases, thyroid cancer is curable if detected early enough.
