There is no such thing as routine thyroid cancer. Every patient’s thyroid cancer is different, with unique genes and molecules driving each person’s specific cancer.
At the OSUCCC – James, our thyroid cancer specialists are world-renowned experts who focus solely on thyroid cancer and who reach across medical disciplines (oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pharmacists, endocrinologists, otolaryngologists and more) to design the very best treatment plan and therapies to target each patient’s specific cancer.
And by offering access to the country’s most advanced clinical trials right here at the OSUCCC – James, patients know that additional options, when needed, are often available for their treatment and care.
Thyroid cancer is a disease that begins in the cells of the thyroid gland — a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the windpipe. The right and left lobes of the thyroid are connected by a thin piece of tissue called the isthmus. Four smaller glands, called the parathyroids, sit near the back of the thyroid and produce hormones that help control levels of calcium in the blood.
The thyroid is an important component of the endocrine system — producing hormones for the body that control key regulatory processes such as heart rate, temperature and metabolism. The parathyroid also helps control the amount of calcium in the blood, which is a key mineral required for proper functioning of nerves and muscles.
Thyroid cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop within the thyroid. The cancerous cells can grow rapidly and eventually may appear as a tumor. This may result in the feeling of a lump or swelling in your neck. There are other conditions that may have similar symptoms to thyroid cancer that are not cancerous. It is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing any issues.
More than 60,000 cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States. Since the mid-1990s, thyroid cancer rates have increased and the rate of incidence is increasing rapidly in the United States for both men and women. However, thyroid cancer primarily affects women, is the most frequently diagnosed endocrine cancer and occurs most often in people between the ages of 25 and 65.
If caught and diagnosed early, thyroid cancer is a highly treatable disease.
Types of thyroid cancer
There are several types of thyroid cancer including:
Papillary thyroid cancer
Papillary thyroid cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of thyroid cancer in the United States at about 85% of cases. This is a slow growing cancer and is more often found in women than men. When it is diagnosed early, most patients with papillary thyroid cancer can be cured.
Follicular thyroid cancer
Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed type of thyroid cancer. It begins in the follicular cells and is usually slow growing. Treatment is usually successful if the cancer is caught early.
Medullary thyroid cancer
Though rare, medullary thyroid cancer can run in families. A genetic change (in a gene called RET) can cause this type of cancer. If this genetic mutation is present, your doctor may recommend frequent testing or surgery to remove the thyroid to prevent cancer. There are two types of medullary thyroid cancer including sporadic, which doesn’t run in families, and hereditary, which does. MTC makes up less than about 4% of all thyroid cancer diagnoses.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a very rare type of thyroid cancer and occurs most often in people older than 60. It makes up less than 1% of all thyroid cancer diagnoses in the United States.
Thyroid cancer symptoms
Thyroid cancer that has just formed, or that is early in its progress, may not cause any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include the following:
- A lump in the neck
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Hoarseness
Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have thyroid cancer. But if you have symptoms you should tell your doctor, especially if symptoms have continued for longer than a few weeks.
What causes thyroid cancer?
While there are no exact known causes, thyroid cancer can occur when there are cellular changes within your thyroid gland.
DNA contains the instructions that your body gives to cells to replicate and grow. When that DNA changes, the cells grow differently, altering their structure. This can cause abnormal cells within the thyroid to grow and potentially become cancerous.
There are some risk factors associated with thyroid cancer. One of those risk factors is genetics, which may increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer. Different types of thyroid cancer can run in families, for example. Other factors, like exposure to radiation, could affect your likelihood of developing thyroid cancer as well.
Risk factors do not necessarily mean you’ll develop a disease; if you are concerned about your risk of developing thyroid cancer, contact your doctor.
Is thyroid cancer curable?
If caught early, thyroid cancer is treatable in most situations and yields a high survival rate. However, there are many factors that will determine the diagnosis and treatment approach for your thyroid cancer type. At the OSUCCC – James, our experts work together to create a personalized plan to address your exact thyroid cancer needs to ensure the best possible outcomes.
If you have received a thyroid cancer diagnosis, or if you want a second opinion or just want to speak to a thyroid cancer specialist, we are here to help you. Call 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Learn more about thyroid cancer
PreventionScreening and Diagnosis
Treatment