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Thyroid cancer
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumor that can occur when cells inside the gland grow abnormally. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and is shaped like a butterfly.
It produces hormones that can regulate energy consumption and ensure normal functioning of the body. Thyroid cancer is currently one of the least common types. It is usually detected in the early stages and immediately treated with high-quality treatment.
Epidemiology
Thyroid cancer statistics show how favorable outcomes outweigh unfavorable ones. Five-year and ten-year survival rates play a major role in this.
The first concept means that a certain percentage of patients survive for at least 5 years after they were diagnosed with cancer. This does not mean that they died immediately after this period of time. Some patients did not undergo treatment at all and were completely cured. But they still did not survive for more than 5 years. A similar statement applies to ten-year survival.
These time periods are used because certain studies only follow a patient for 5 to 10 years. For some species, five-year survival is considered synonymous with complete cure.
The mortality rate from thyroid cancer is low. This disease is easily detected at an early stage and is immediately eliminated. There are no frightening figures in all this. Thyroid cancer is successfully treated, it is important to seek help in time.
Causes thyroid cancer
The causes of the disease have not been fully established. But there are many factors that can cause malignant neoplasms.
- Radioactive radiation. As studies show, people exposed to hazardous substances have a much higher chance of developing a malignant tumor.
- Radiation therapy to the head and neck. Long-term irradiation can cause tumor growth, even decades later. This exposure causes human cells to become prone to mutations, active growth, and division. All of these processes can cause papillary and follicular tumors.
- Age over 40. Malignant tumors can also appear in children, but this age is one of the most favorable for this action. In the process of aging, a failure in genes is observed.
- Genetic predisposition. Scientists have identified a special gene that can be passed on by inheritance. If a person has it, then the probability of developing a malignant neoplasm is equal to 100%.
- Professional hazards. Particularly dangerous is work with ionizing radiation, for workers in hot shops or activities associated with heavy metals.
- Stressful situations and bad habits. Strong emotional overstrain can lead to the development of depression, which significantly undermines the immune system. Immune cells are fully responsible for the destruction of cancerous tumors. As for bad habits, tobacco smoke and alcohol can weaken the body's natural defense against atypical cells.
Chronic diseases can also cause thyroid cancer. These include breast tumors, rectal polyps, multinodular goiter, benign tumors and nodules of the thyroid gland, and diseases of the female genital organs.
Symptoms thyroid cancer
The symptoms of the disease are clearly expressed. The main sign is the presence of a node in the gland. In some cases, this can cause hoarseness, symptoms of compression of the trachea and esophagus appear. Sometimes pain syndrome also manifests itself.
In children, the occurrence of nodes is observed in 50% of cases. This phenomenon, which appeared in a pregnant girl, usually has a benign course. In people over 40 years old, the frequency of development of nodes increases by 10% with each subsequent year.
The main symptoms include the appearance of nodular formations or visible enlargement of the lymph nodes. Hoarseness of the voice is possible, which should immediately alert, especially if there are no signs of pain in the throat. Over time, breathing becomes difficult and the process of swallowing also becomes more difficult. Painful sensations are observed in the thyroid gland. Shortness of breath is also possible both after physical exertion and during a calm state.
If treatment is not started in time, the prognosis may not be encouraging. Usually, after 40 years, thyroid cancer is characterized by metastasis growth into neighboring organs of the neck.
The first signs of thyroid cancer
The first signs of cancer are quite difficult to notice. Because in the early stages the disease does not particularly manifest itself. Only with the increase in the size of the thyroid gland can one suspect the development of a serious process.
Once this happens, the person will begin to experience difficulty swallowing food and breathing, which will be significantly difficult. Usually, a malignant neoplasm manifests itself in the form of mild discomfort. At first, a painless lump appears in the throat, then the voice changes and the lymph nodes in the neck area increase.
When the main signs of the disease appear, you must immediately seek help. In the early stages, it is much easier to remove the tumor. It is important to diagnose the problem in time and begin effective treatment. Thyroid cancer is not so common and is not particularly widespread, compared to other forms of this disease. Therefore, it is much easier to cure it, the main thing is to start doing it correctly.
Lymph nodes in thyroid cancer
Lymph nodes can be significantly affected by thyroid cancer. In this case, it is not only the type of tumor that is affected, but also the stage of its development. Thus, the thyroid gland itself is mainly affected, and in rare cases, the soft tissues around it.
Naturally, there are different criteria for a particular type of cancer. Therefore, in addition to the thyroid gland itself, the lymph nodes may also be affected. When eliminating the problem, special attention is paid to this area. In addition, the bones, shoulders, and even the spine may be affected.
Lymph nodes are mostly affected at the last stages of the disease. In this case, surgical removal of the problem is used. But much also depends on the type of cancer in question. After all, the problem is mostly removed with radioactive iodine-based treatment. This type of intervention usually gives a favorable prognosis. Thyroid cancer requires rapid removal, especially if there is a risk of metastasis.
Thyroid cancer recurrence
Thyroid cancer recurrence can be of two types, local and regional. In the first variant, the tumor process occurs in the thyroid gland bed. Regional recurrence involves damage to the lymph nodes.
It is difficult to detect pathology by palpation. This indicates that there are no signs of recurrence of the tumor. That is why patients are advised to undergo examination more often. Ultrasound examination helps to identify the problem most accurately.
Modern devices allow to diagnose relapse quickly. Moreover, ultrasound has no contraindications and does not cause complications, so it can be done much more often.
In order to prevent relapse, it is worthwhile to undergo treatment based on radioactive iodine. In addition, it is strongly recommended to undergo regular examination. This will help to avoid the appearance of a tumor and eliminate it in case of relapse. It is advisable to undergo examinations regularly, for the rest of your life. Thyroid cancer is a serious disease that needs to be eliminated correctly.
Metastases in thyroid cancer
Metastases can appear in many organs. Cancer cells, together with lymph or blood, begin to gradually spread throughout all parts of the body. Usually, there are two ways of metastasis - hematogenous and lymphogenous.
In the first variant, the main route of spread is considered to be the lymph nodes located in the jugular cavity, the lateral triangle of the neck, the prelaryngeal and peritracheal lymph nodes.
In hematogenous metastasis, in most cases metastases penetrate into the lungs and bones. Much less frequently, they can be found in the brain or other organs.
Bone metastases are often found in the ribs, pelvis, shoulder and hip bones. They usually manifest themselves as persistent pain syndrome. Bone fractures, loss of appetite, constipation, nausea, vomiting and heart rhythm disturbances are not excluded.
If metastases are in the lungs, then sputum in the blood, chest pain, dry cough and difficulty breathing appear. Increased fatigue and a feeling of tightness in the chest may suddenly appear.
Metastases to the liver may cause weight loss, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, nausea, fatigue, and pressure in the right side. Metastases to the brain cause constant headaches, loss of a sense of reality, vomiting, and limited movement. That is why thyroid cancer still carries some danger.
Thyroid cancer in women
Thyroid cancer in women proceeds similarly to men. However, women are more susceptible to developing malignant neoplasms than men.
This disease mainly occurs in old age. The peak of cancer "activity" falls at the age of 65 and above. True, at this age men also have an increased risk of getting sick. But all this can be eliminated by ordinary prevention.
This is why regular check-ups with a doctor are especially useful. After all, this way you can prevent the development of a tumor and notice it at an early stage. Timely examination will help avoid many complications in the future. After all, there are different types of cancer and not all of them are so easy to eliminate. Many of them have a very unfavorable prognosis, especially for older people. Thyroid cancer is both a simple and complex disease. Much depends on what stage it was detected at and what type it is.
Thyroid Cancer and Pregnancy
Thyroid cancer and pregnancy have always been a controversial issue. Every doctor has a special opinion on this topic. Some believe that you should never have a child if you have a thyroid problem. Other specialists do not see any particular problems in this.
Everyone knows that pregnancy is accompanied by pronounced hormonal and metabolic shifts. The production of many hormones increases significantly, which significantly change the hormones, which significantly change the immunological. All this can lead to cancrophilia syndrome, which is capable of causing the growth of a malignant tumor.
Thyroid cancer often develops in women of childbearing age, and it is quite possible to have a child at this stage. This issue is gaining particular relevance. After all, the thyroid gland and the reproductive system are closely related. The former significantly affects all sexual functions of a woman. Pregnancy is accompanied by significant changes in the thyroid gland. As for the mechanism of hyperplasia, it is not completely clear. But a number of studies have proven that the content of thyroxine, triiodothyronine and TSH does not change much during pregnancy, and therefore does not pose any danger.
When comparing cancer and pregnancy, it is worth considering many factors. The risk of developing a tumor is always present. Therefore, the first thing you should do is determine for yourself whether it is necessary to do this and talk about this with your doctor. After all, thyroid cancer is a serious disease that requires balanced decisions.
Thyroid cancer in men
Thyroid cancer in men is much less common than in women. Malignant thyroid tumors account for only 2% of all oncological diseases. However, in recent years the figure has begun to change significantly. In general, the incidence rate has doubled.
Previously, it was believed that only people aged 40-50 years were susceptible to this disease. But every year any disease begins to "get younger". Today, cancer occurs even in children, extremely rarely, but such cases have still been noted.
But, despite the fact that the disease has begun to affect people of a younger age, women are more susceptible to its negative impact. Therefore, they are recommended to come for medical examinations more often and monitor the condition of their own thyroid gland more carefully. But men should also pay attention to their health. After all, situations are different and thyroid cancer can occur at any time.
Thyroid cancer in children
Thyroid cancer in children is extremely rare. But this disease can occur in absolutely all age groups. In children under 10 years of age, this phenomenon is very rare. There is one case in a million.
In older children and adolescents, cancer can develop in 16% of cases, which is significantly higher than in the younger group. As has been repeatedly noted, the main peak of incidence occurs in people aged 50. In recent years, the incidence rate has increased in girls and adolescent women.
Thyroid cancer in children is rare and in many cases is easily treated. The main thing is to detect the symptoms in time and go to a medical facility. Diagnosis is based on ultrasound and additional methods. Treatment is prescribed quickly, based on a particular case. Thyroid cancer in children is rare and if this problem occurs, everything is eliminated quite quickly.
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Stages
There is a classification of thyroid cancer that shows the main stages of this disease. This method is based on two parameters: the prevalence of the tumor and the patient's age.
Prevalence is coded as follows: "T" describes the prevalence of the primary tumor; "N" describes how much the tumor has spread to regional lymph nodes; "M" describes the presence of distant metastases of the tumor.
Prevalence of primary tumor
- T0 - primary tumor, not detected in thyroid tissue during surgery
- T1 - the tumor is 2 cm or less, located within the thyroid gland. In some cases, a special addition is used:
- T1a - tumor 1 cm or less, T1b - tumor more than 1 cm but not more than 2 cm.
- T2 - the tumor is more than 2 cm but less than 4 cm, grows into the capsule of the gland.
- T3 - tumor larger than 4 cm, minimal spread beyond the thyroid capsule.
- T4 - the tumor has two substages:
- T4a - tumor of any size that invades through the capsule into the subcutaneous soft tissue, larynx, trachea, esophagus, or recurrent laryngeal nerve
- T4b - tumor invading the prevertebral fascia, carotid artery, or retrosternal vessels.
This is all that concerns the spread of the tumor itself.
Presence of metastases
- NX - the presence of regional metastases cannot be assessed
- N0 - complete absence of metastases
- N1 - presence of metastases
- N1a - metastases in the VI zone of lymphatic drainage
- N1b - metastases to the lateral cervical lymph nodes on one or both sides, on the opposite side, or to the retrosternal lymph nodes
Distant metastases
- MX - the presence of metastases cannot be assessed
- M0 - no metastases
- M1 - presence of metastases
Thus, thyroid cancer is classified.
Complications and consequences
Consequences of thyroid cancer can be harmless. Any disorders in the endocrine system of the body require medical consultation. It is necessary to understand that any folk remedies can lead to serious consequences.
In most cases, the condition after thyroid removal is quite satisfactory. The only difficulty that may arise is maintaining hormonal balance. Because persistent hypothyroidism may occur after this intervention. However, it is quite possible to transfer the functions of the removed organ to hormonal drugs.
If a person does not follow all medical instructions, this can cause complications after thyroid removal and a sharp deterioration in the condition as a whole. It should be understood that any surgical intervention can have the same consequences. These can be disruptions in the functioning of many systems in the body, because thyroxine and triiodothyronine are no longer produced. If you do not start taking certain hormonal drugs in time, which are prescribed exclusively by the attending physician, you can damage the laryngeal nerve. As a result, the voice loses strength and becomes low.
Spasms and numbness of the hands are not excluded. This happens due to the removal or damage of the parathyroid glands. There is no need to worry, this condition is not long-term and the person quickly returns to normal. Headaches are not excluded, especially after surgery. Therefore, after thyroid cancer has been eliminated, it is necessary to constantly go for examinations and follow the doctor's recommendations.
Diagnostics thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is diagnosed using ultrasound. Of particular value is the study of organ functions. Many malignant tumors do not have high hormonal activity.
Ultrasound allows us to get an idea of the size, shape of the thyroid gland and the presence of nodes in its parenchyma. Thus, it is possible to identify nodes as either cysts, or solid, or complex formations. Ultrasound allows us to identify simple cysts, which rarely turn out to be tumors, but in the case of solid and complex nodes it does not allow us to differentiate benign and malignant formations.
Puncture biopsy. This method allows obtaining material for cytological studies. This method is quite accurate and specific. It does not cause complications. The doctor decides how to conduct diagnostics. In addition to these methods, a blood test is taken. Thyroid cancer is not always easy to diagnose, so additional methods may be used.
Thyroid cancer test
Thyroid cancer testing is necessary, it can determine the hormone levels. It is stupid to take a general blood test, because no changes are observed here for a long time.
The test may show elevated levels of calcitonin. If this is the case, it means the person has medullary cancer. This will help identify the disease in its early stages.
The calcium and pentagastrin stimulation test is used for diagnostic purposes. It allows determining the level of calcitonin. If it deviates from the norm, the presence of this disease can be diagnosed.
The thyroglobulin level also needs to be determined. It will help us understand how appropriate it is to use surgical treatment. After surgery, all patients have their triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and TSH levels checked.
Histological analysis of the material is an important laboratory method that is used to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
The use of J131 allows us to differentiate between papillary and follicular forms of thyroid cancer. The tests are also important after thyroidectomy to detect metastases. Thyroid cancer requires some tests.
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Tumor markers
Thyroid cancer tumor markers are high-molecular compounds that are examined in blood, urine, and on the surface of cells. They are released by malignant cells or normal cells in the presence of a tumor.
It is also worth noting the fact that in some cases, tumor marker levels may remain within reference values, despite the presence of a tumor.
To conduct this analysis, you need to do some preparation. It is advisable to donate blood on an empty stomach, do not eat fatty and fried foods the day before the analysis. It is recommended to completely exclude physical activity and alcohol consumption.
About 8 hours should pass after the last meal before the analysis. Blood should be taken before the start of drug treatment or several weeks after its completion. If it is not possible to stop taking the medication, you should simply indicate its name and dosage.
In addition, a few days before the tumor marker test, you should stop taking iodine-containing medications. Thus, thyroid cancer is diagnosed using this method.
From 73
With 73 thyroid cancer does not carry a favorable prognosis. The fact is that it is not at all easy to remove a tumor in old age. According to statistics, approximately 10% of elderly people have some pathologies associated with the thyroid gland. Often we are talking about an increase or, conversely, a decrease in its functions.
It is wrong to say that cancer occurs more often in older people than in younger people. It mainly affects middle-aged people. But the probability of getting this disease after 70 increases significantly. As the body ages, the proportion of malignant neoplasms among their total number increases. All this should cause some concern. After all, nodular goiter is quite common among women over 70 years old.
The main reason for this phenomenon lies in the physiological characteristics of the body. Emotional and physical activity is significantly reduced. All this significantly affects the course of diseases, especially oncological ones.
Many diseases do not have the same symptoms as at a "younger" age. Therefore, the clinical picture is not fully visible. This leads to significant difficulties in making a diagnosis. Weakened immunity leads to the appearance of malignant neoplasms. This is why thyroid cancer develops, which is not so easy to eliminate at this age.
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Ultrasound signs
Ultrasound signs of thyroid cancer are carried out to detect this disease. So, today it is the simplest and most accessible method. It allows you to determine the structure of the thyroid gland, the appearance of foci, cysts and other formations.
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland can detect the smallest changes, reaching 1-2 mm in diameter. Usually, this procedure is prescribed by an endocrinologist if there is a suspicion of thyroid dysfunction or malignant neoplasm.
Ultrasound allows you to determine the size of the organ, its volume and the uniformity of the structure. This will help determine the presence of formations, their size, nature, shape. Therefore, this procedure is simply necessary. Today, it is the most common and effective in determining neoplasms. Thyroid cancer can be determined with the help of ultrasound at any stage if the tumor has begun to grow. You can also notice small foci that require immediate elimination.
Hormones in thyroid cancer
Hormones in thyroid cancer can fluctuate significantly. The damaged organ is not able to perform its functions to the full extent, so it is necessary to help it do this.
The thing is that the hormonal background drops sharply. Naturally, in some cases everything can be the other way around. But basically, the thyroid gland is not able to answer for its direct functions, or rather, it is not able to perform them, which can lead to serious disorders in the body.
Usually, when an organ is cancerous, it is removed partially or completely. This method is the most effective. Because the options for relapse are completely excluded.
The thyroid gland in the human body is responsible for many functions and after its removal it is necessary to maintain a normal condition with the help of hormones taken. They are prescribed exclusively by a doctor, depending on the complexity of the operation and the stage of the disease. In this case, thyroid cancer recedes, but the main functions of the organ remain with the hormones taken.
TSH
TSH in thyroid cancer can be below or above the normal level. This hormone is responsible for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the human body.
This is a thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the formation of thyroid hormones. It is fully responsible for the functioning of the reproductive system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract and even mental functions. Therefore, it is absolutely impossible to allow this hormone to deviate from the norm.
When the thyroid gland is damaged, the hormone is not secreted properly. Therefore, many body functions may not be performed. If you suspect the development of a malignant tumor, you need to seek help from a doctor. He carries out all kinds of diagnostic methods and "measures" the level of this hormone. If it is lower or higher, the problem is solved with medication. In most cases, thyroid cancer is removed first, and then further therapy is prescribed.
Thyroglobulin
Thyroglobulin in thyroid cancer is a large protein that is part of the thyroid follicle colloid.
Thyroglobulin is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum of thyrocytes and secreted into the lumen of the follicle. An increase in the concentration of TG in the blood mainly occurs due to diseases that occur with a violation of the structure of the thyroid gland or are accompanied by iodine deficiency.
Usually, an increase in this hormone is observed in follicular and papillary thyroid carcinomas, diffuse toxic goiter and thyroiditis. An increase in content in benign thyroid adenoma is not excluded.
It is necessary to note the fact that the increase in the concentration of Thyroglobulin in problems with the thyroid gland is observed only in a third of all patients. Therefore, it is not worth relying entirely on this indicator. Thyroid cancer does not lead to a strong jump in the content of this hormone in all people.
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Treatment thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer surgery is the best way to eliminate the problem once and for all. There are several basic techniques that allow you to perform the surgery.
- Thyroidectomy. This procedure involves the complete removal of the thyroid gland. This technique is used for oncological lesions, diffuse and multinodular toxic goiter. Everything is done through an incision in the neck. If it is not possible to remove all the affected tissue, radioactive iodine therapy is used.
- Subtotal resection. Involves the removal of glandular tissue, leaving several areas intact. This is widely used in diffuse or multi-pronged toxic goiter.
- Hemithyroidectomy. This procedure involves removing half of the thyroid gland. It is performed in the presence of a follicular neoplasm or nodular toxic goiter. In some cases, radioiodine therapy is prescribed after this operation, which allows the use of radioactive iodine to get rid of residual tumor cells. Thus, thyroid cancer is eliminated.
Thyroid cancer removal
Thyroid cancer removal is the most effective way to deal with the problem. Radical intervention depends entirely on the stage of the disease.
Thus, the removal is performed by an experienced specialist in a hospital setting. In most cases, the thyroid gland is completely removed. The volume of radical intervention is prescribed by the doctor, depending on the complexity of the situation.
Removal is the only way to get rid of the problem once and for all. In this case, there are no relapses and the surgery is not dangerous. However, the thyroid gland functions will have to be performed by regular hormonal pills. Regarding this issue, it is worth consulting a doctor.
Not all cases require removal. At early stages, including zero, tumor growth can be slowed down with medication. But in most cases, removal is used. This will prevent thyroid cancer from returning again.
Nutrition
Nutrition for thyroid cancer should be unique. The human diet must necessarily include products rich in iodine. Particular attention should be paid to seafood. These include squid, cod liver, sea fish, seaweed and crabs.
It is advisable to give preference to plant products with a high iodine content. These include persimmons, dates, rowan berries, black currants, cherries and apples. Among vegetables, these are beets, potatoes, cabbage, garlic, radishes and tomatoes. You should not ignore greens. Particular preference should be given to lettuce and onions. Among cereals, it is better to choose buckwheat and millet. A small amount of iodine is found in meat, milk, cottage cheese, cheese, egg yolk.
You need to pay attention to goitrogenic products, you can not eat them in large quantities. These are cabbage, radish, carrots, spinach and Jerusalem artichoke. They can lead to the proliferation of thyroid tissue. Such a diet will not eliminate thyroid cancer, but will significantly alleviate the condition.
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Diet
A diet for thyroid cancer is made up by a person independently, based on the products that can be consumed. So, honey is allowed to be eaten. Moreover, it is necessary to consume it daily, 1-2 tablespoons.
It is worth giving preference to vegetable oil and melted butter (no more than 15-20 grams per day). It is advisable to eat any kind of porridge. They should be cooked in purified water without butter, vegetable oil and other additives.
You can eat boiled or baked potatoes with the skin in limited quantities. You can eat no more than 1-2 pieces per day. Dried fruit compotes will have a positive effect on your general condition. Especially if you drink them for breakfast with oatmeal or muesli.
It is also worth giving preference to boiled salads, including vinaigrette and vegetable stew. It can be prepared from rutabaga, pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, salad peppers, zucchini and Jerusalem artichoke. Raw salads with the same ingredients are also suitable.
It is necessary to drink vegetable broths, freshly squeezed juices and jelly. It is necessary to eat more raw fruits, berries and vegetables. It is recommended to eat 50 grams of walnuts every day. Once a week you need to eat boiled beans, lentils, soybeans or beans.
As for flour, you can only eat bread made from coarse grinding or baked on hop dough. Particular attention is paid to vitamins A and E. This is not the entire list of permitted products. Therefore, if a person has had thyroid cancer, the attending physician can give recommendations regarding nutrition.
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More information of the treatment
Prevention
Prevention of thyroid cancer consists of following certain rules. So, the probability of developing the problem can be significantly minimized, you just need to change your lifestyle.
There is currently no specific means by which thyroid cancer prevention will be 100% successful. However, there are certain methods that can provide some effect.
The first thing to do is to maintain a normal body weight and adhere to the principles of healthy eating. A diet based on a minimum of fats and a maximum of vegetables and fruits will have a positive effect on the body as a whole.
Prevention of this disease involves eliminating iodine deficiency if necessary. For this purpose, the use of iodized salt, seaweed and seafood is suitable.
It is necessary to limit the time spent in front of the TV or computer monitor. Children whose immediate relatives are sick with the medullary form of the tumor should be constantly under the supervision of doctors. Most importantly, so that thyroid cancer never takes you by surprise, you should undergo a medical examination.
Forecast
The prognosis of thyroid cancer depends on the stage of the disease. In most cases, it is a curable disease if a person seeks help in time. However, cases with an unfavorable prognosis should not be excluded.
Papillary and follicular cancers are the most treatable, and these are the cases that end well. It is only necessary to remove the affected parts of the organ, and the disease will recede on its own.
Thyroid cancer is the most curable cancer in humans, with a high rate of favorable prognosis when treated correctly.
The medullary type of the disease does not have the most positive course. But if you start doing everything in a timely manner, the process will end well. The most unfavorable prognosis is for anaplastic cancer. It is often diagnosed at a stage when it cannot be cured. Therefore, if strange discomfort appears, you need to see a doctor. Thyroid cancer is both a simple and serious disease.
How long do people live with thyroid cancer?
Do you know how long people live with thyroid cancer? Much depends on what stage the disease was at. In most cases, after tumor removal and quality therapy, people live more than 25 years.
Much still depends on what stage of cancer a person had. If it is papillary or follicular, then the prognosis is favorable. A person can live more than 25 years. But at the same time, he must be constantly monitored by a doctor. After all, relapses are not excluded.
In the case of medullary disease, life expectancy can be significantly reduced. Much depends on the quality of the surgery and therapy. Naturally, the time when a person seeks help also plays a major role. In the case of anaplastic neoplasm, the chances are very small. Thyroid cancer in this case is almost impossible to cure.
Life expectancy largely depends on the person himself. After all, this process is influenced by everything, from the stage of development of the disease to the lifestyle that is led after the problem is eliminated. Thyroid cancer is a peculiar disease that requires immediate elimination.
Survival
Thyroid cancer survival largely depends on the stage of the disease itself. In general, everything goes quite well. But age also affects this. After 60 years, the tolerance of malignant neoplasms is not so good.
In this matter, much depends on the type of cancer in question. If it is a papillary or follicular formation, then the survival rate is high. In this case, everything is done quickly. The tumor is removed, complex therapy is carried out and that's it. The person will not only survive, but will live for more than 25 years. But at the same time, it is necessary to be under the constant supervision of a doctor.
If it is a medullary type of tumor, then a lot depends on how quickly the person sought help. The problem can be eliminated, but the process itself is complex. But at the same time, survival is also at a relative level.
With anaplastic cancer, everything is much more complicated. It is almost impossible to cure. That is why the survival rate is quite low. Thyroid cancer is a disease that requires timely treatment.
Life After Thyroid Cancer
Life after thyroid cancer is practically no different from the previous one. The only thing is that now you will have to undergo medical examinations constantly. This will help to avoid relapse.
If the thyroid gland has been completely removed, you will have to take special hormonal drugs. They will allow the functions of the removed organ to be performed. Without them, the body will not be able to function normally. Regarding this issue, it is worth consulting a doctor. But in most cases, taking hormonal drugs is mandatory. Because the functions of the thyroid gland will not be able to "work" to their full extent.
You will have to pay special attention to nutrition. It is advisable to eat only healthy food. You can do sports, but the load should be moderate. It is important to monitor your own condition and in this case you will be able to live at least 25 years. Thyroid cancer is not a death sentence, after it there can be a long and happy life.
Disability
In some cases, disability is assigned for thyroid cancer. There are several main disability groups. Thus, with thyroid cancer, dysfunction of the shoulder joint as a result of damage by the tumor is not excluded. In addition, a person may lose the ability to speak or have problems with voice production. Such people are assigned the third disability group.
In cases of severe hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism of the second degree, bilateral damage to the recurrent nerve with respiratory failure, non-radical treatment or a questionable prognosis in radically treated patients, a second degree of disability may be assigned.
In case of severe hypothyroidism with the development of myocardial dystrophy and grade III heart failure or severe myopathy, relapse of undifferentiated cancer or severe hypoparathyroidism, the first group of disability is assigned.
The conclusion regarding this issue is given by the attending physician who diagnosed thyroid cancer and treated this disease.