Watch Out For These Signs When It Comes To Thyroid Cancer

A common problem that many women have is with their thyroid. It is responsible for regulating many of the body’s hormones. These hormones are responsible for things like how your body metabolizes food, your body temperature and even your growth. When these hormones are interrupted then it can throw your whole system out of whack.

Even worse, it can lead to thyroid cancer. It’s a relatively rare type of cancer, but if you were a first responder during the 9/11 attacks, or a resident in the area and are having problems with it, then you should definitely keep a close eye on any developments. In fact, you may be eligible for 9/11 cancer compensation if you fit the criteria.

Of course, there are other people that can get this type of cancer so even if you are not one of those people then you still have to pay attention to the signs.

Types of thyroid cancer

There are several kinds of cancer that affect the thyroid. There is not just one overall type of thyroid cancer.

The most common type is papillary thyroid cancer that affects the follicular cells which is where hormones are produced. Unfortunately, it is a type of thyroid cancer that doesn’t show many symptoms. Fortunately, however, there is a very high survival rate when it is caught early enough. Usually it manifests itself as a mass or lump on the throat.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is more aggressive and can spread rapidly. This type is very rare, however, but does account for around 20% of deaths from thyroid cancer due to its aggressive nature.

Symptoms to look out for

The first thing that many people notice when they start having problems with their thyroid is a change in the voice. Since there could be pressure from a mass of cellular growth on the vocal cords, the voice changes. Also, the thyroid produces hormones that affect the voice.

There could also be a pain in the neck and throat area. Usually, this is from pressure caused by the growth of cancer cells within the thyroid that is uncomfortable. It may even cause pain when swallowing.

If you feel a lump in the throat when touching the area on your neck then this is a sure sign that there is a problem and you should talk to a doctor right away.

How to know if you have thyroid cancer

You’ll have to undergo a number of tests to determine if it is indeed thyroid cancer. A blood test is usually scheduled after the doctor has done a check-up. Sometimes an ultrasound is done to see if there is any growth happening in the thyroid before the blood test is done.

How to treat it

Surgery is the most common form of treatment and is usually successful without needing chemotherapy or radiation. Otherwise, some hormone therapy is prescribed that will help you regulate the missing hormones and helps to prevent more cancer cells from growing.