Your doctor will determine which type of thyroid cancer you have based on a range of factors, including its size, location, and growth rate. He or she may recommend one or more tests before your treatment, or you may need to have more than one type of test. However, if the symptoms are consistent across all types of thyroid cancer, you can expect to undergo several tests.
Most thyroid malignancies are slow-growing, but a few are more aggressive and show evidence of local invasion. These tumors often cause respiratory symptoms and hemoptysis. They may also cause dysphagia, as well as pain in the neck and lungs. Moreover, if the cancer has spread to distant organs, it may cause pain and pathological fractures. Recurrences of thyroid cancer will require ongoing follow-up surveillance.
Treatment for thyroid cancer may involve radioactive iodine, which is injected directly into the vein or taken orally. Radioactive iodine can affect fertility in men, but not in women. Your care team will advise you on your risk level and discuss fertility preservation. In some cases, radioactive iodine can cause a lowered level of sperm or eggs, and should be avoided if possible.
Symptoms of thyroid cancer are usually not noticeable and may go unnoticed until a diagnosis is made. Thyroid cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among women. The majority of patients do not experience any symptoms until their doctor detects a lump on their thyroid or a suspicious lymph node. Once the doctor confirms the cancer, they may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. Fortunately, the majority of thyroid cancer patients will have no symptoms.
Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type of thyroid cancer and the severity of the symptoms. If the cancer is detected early, surgery will likely be the best treatment option. In some cases, a surgeon will remove the entire thyroid gland and any lymph nodes in the neck. After the surgery, patients may be prescribed medication called levothyroxine to maintain their metabolism. If the cancer spreads, radiotherapy iodine treatment is usually not effective. In many cases, radiotherapy iodine treatment is not effective for treating thyroid cancer.
The 5-year survival rate for thyroid cancer in Canada is 98%. However, the survival rate may vary, and it depends on the stage of the disease. Early detection and treatment are vital to your recovery. Thyroid cancer has several treatments that are effective. Most people with thyroid cancer are able to live with their condition with minimal or no side effects. This disease will not kill you if detected early, but it will certainly be a major challenge to deal with.
If the diagnosis is made early enough, the treatment of thyroid cancer is highly dependent on the stage and type of thyroid cancer. Some types of thyroid cancer remain stable and microscopic. However, the rate of thyroid cancer mortality has been decreasing due to advances in treatment options. Early detection and treatment will improve your quality of life and make your treatment more effective. It is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. You should also know that your doctor will use a variety of diagnostic tests to help determine if you are suffering from thyroid cancer.
