A cancer that develops in the cells of thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located just below adam's apple in the neck. It causes difficulty swallowing hoarseness, lump on the neck, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Symptoms & Reports

The first sign of cancer in the thyroid gland is often a nodule.

Other notable symptoms include:

• Hoarse voice
• Neck pain, accompanied by ear pain in some cases
• Trouble swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes in the Neck
• Difficulty breathing or Constant wheezing
• Frequent cough, not related to cold
• Hot flashes

Causes

This genetic change could be the result of:

• Thyroid cancer results from thyroid cells that have undergone genetic changes and grow abnormally.
• Family history
• Constant exposure to radiation as in case of employees working in nuclear power plants
• Radiation treatment for cancers
• Diet low in iodine
• Gender: Women are at increased risk of developing thyroid cancer

Prevention

• Take steps to prevent exposure to radiation.
• Genetic testing may be recommended in case you are at inherited risk of developing thyroid cancer.

Screening Options available at JNCHRC

• Thyroid function tests (TFTs): Blood tests to determine levels of thyroid hormones.
• Ultrasound: To check the size and number of nodules, determine if it is solid or fluid-filled; Also check if any nearby lymph nodes are enlarged.
• CT scan: To assess the spread of cancer to nearby and distant areas.
• Thyroid biopsy: A small sample of the thyroid tissue is sent for microscopic examination.
• Genetic test: To check for genes that increase your chances of thyroid cancer.