Thyroid Cancer Surgeon in Kolkata

Dr. Suvadip Chakrabarti

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What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer, as the name suggests, develops in the thyroid gland. This butterfly-shaped gland is located at the base of the neck and produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, heart rate, and temperature. When thyroid cells mutate, they begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer types are as follows:

Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Follicular Thyroid Cancer
Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer does not always cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the cancer grows, you might experience:

A lump in your neck:

This is the most common symptom of thyroid cancer. It usually feels hard and is painless.

Changes in your voice:

Hoarseness or other voice changes.

Difficulty swallowing or breathing:

When the cancer grows, it can press on delicate structures like the windpipe, making it hard to swallow or breathe.

Pain in your neck or throat:

Cancerous tumours can irritate surrounding tissues and nerves, causing pain in the neck or throat.

Swollen lymph nodes in your neck:

When cancer cells spread, they can go through the lymphatic system and get trapped in lymph nodes, causing them to swell.

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Causes of Thyroid Cancer

Learn the common causes of thyroid cancer, which are listed below.

Family history

Having a family member with thyroid cancer, especially medullary thyroid cancer, increases your risk.

Genetic syndromes

Certain genetic conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), can increase the risk.

Iodine deficiency

Although rare in developed countries because of iodized salt, severe iodine deficiency can be a factor.

Age

The risk of developing thyroid cancer rises with age.

Radiation exposure

People who received radiation treatment to the head or neck as children are at higher risk.

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The Stages of Thyroid Cancer

The stages of thyroid cancer are listed below.

Stage I: Early-stage cancer confined to the thyroid gland with no spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
Stage II: Cancer has grown beyond the thyroid gland, possibly involving nearby tissues and lymph nodes.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the neck and may involve nearby structures.
Stage IV: Advanced cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, or other organs.

Treatments of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid Cancer Treatments have been explained below.

Surgery

This is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. It involves removing all or part of the thyroid gland.

Total thyroidectomy:

This thyroid cancer surgery involves the removal of the entire thyroid gland.

Lobectomy:

It involves the removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland.

Near-total thyroidectomy:

This thyroid cancer medical procedure involves the removal of almost the entire thyroid gland, leaving a small amount of tissue.

If you are suffering from thyroid cancer, contact us for any medical attention or surgery-related queries. We prefer treating patients with robotic cancer surgery procedures over traditional methods for higher accuracy, quicker recovery, and lesser hospitalization duration.

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How to Prevent Thyroid Cancer?

Most cases of thyroid cancer occur without any particular cause. But, there are still some ways by which you can reduce your risk. These are as follows.

Genetic counselling:

If you have a family history of thyroid cancer, especially medullary thyroid cancer, genetic counselling can help assess your risk and potential preventive measures.

Regular check-ups:

Regular medical examinations, including thyroid checks, can help detect early signs of thyroid problems.

Healthy lifestyle:

Maintaining a healthy weight by consuming a balanced diet and performing regular exercise can contribute to overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

Thyroid cancer is mainly diagnosed through a physical examination, blood tests (to check thyroid hormone levels), ultrasound, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA). In some cases, additional tests like CT scans or MRI scans may be needed.

2. Which is the most common type of thyroid cancer?

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of thyroid cancers.

3. What happens after thyroid cancer treatment?

After treatment, regular follow-up appointments are vital to monitor for recurrence.

4. What dietary changes should I make after thyroid surgery?

After thyroid surgery, you might need to adjust your diet, especially if you’re taking thyroid hormone replacement medication. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can provide specific guidance. Generally, maintaining a balanced diet with adequate iodine intake is important.

5. Can iodine supplements help prevent thyroid cancer?

While iodine is essential for thyroid function, excessive iodine intake can sometimes be harmful. It’s best to get iodine from a balanced diet rather than supplements unless specifically recommended by your doctor.