There’s no easy answer to the question of why people get thyroid cancer. But there are a number of factors that could increase your chances of getting the disease. Here are some reasons why you may want to get your thyroid checked. Thyroid cancer can affect both men and women equally. Learn how to spot a thyroid tumor. Learn about the symptoms and treatment options available for thyroid cancer. Once you know what to look for, you’ll be better prepared for a consultation with a doctor.
A thyroid nodule can look benign or malignant. The pathologist must be experienced in the disease to make an accurate diagnosis. In my case, I was a 38-year-old woman whose thyroid was diagnosed with medullary carcinoma. She was treated several times for enlarged lymph nodes and infections, but eventually was referred to a cancer center. Luckily, there were no other signs of the disease. I’m glad that I sought a second opinion.
The rate of thyroid cancer varies by country, but is on the rise in the U.S. and around the world. Screening with ultrasound and CT can detect small tumors. Recent research in South Korea reveals that detection rates are rising rapidly. However, the cause of this increased incidence is still not known. In the meantime, there are many ways to detect the disease. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get checked as soon as possible.
Although the “overdiagnosis” theory cannot explain the whole increase in thyroid cancer, there are other factors that may be associated with an increased risk. Environmental and lifestyle factors, as well as comorbidities, could also contribute to the increased risk of the disease. And radiation, though a small percentage of cancers, may affect the risk of thyroid cancer in a specific patient population. In addition to overdiagnosis, environmental pollutants and increased iodine intake are also factors that increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
Symptoms of thyroid cancer may not be obvious until the cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the neck. Lymph nodes can swell due to viral infection, which may not be cancer, but should be examined by a doctor if they notice an enlarged lymph node in one or more parts of the neck. If they’re swollen, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. However, if you’re experiencing an enlarged lymph node, you should get a biopsy as soon as possible.
Symptoms of thyroid cancer may include a variety of other diseases. Paraganglioma is a rare type of neuroendocrine tumor that can be cancerous or benign. It involves nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. It produces hormones and is linked to genetic syndromes. While the cause of this disease remains unknown, it’s important to seek a second opinion when diagnosed with this disease. It’s possible that the disease can be inherited.