DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Cancer

Thyroid Cancer

MODERATE

Cancer that develops in the thyroid gland. Papillary carcinoma most common and most curable. Thyroid nodules common but usually benign. Rising incidence partly due to increased detection.

Global Affected

600.0K

Countries

23

Symptoms

Lump in neck
Voice changes
Difficulty swallowing
Neck pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Cough

Treatment Options

Surgery (lobectomy or total thyroidectomy)
Radioactive iodine therapy
Thyroid hormone therapy (TSH suppression)
External radiation
Chemotherapy (rarely)
Targeted therapy
Active surveillance (microcarcinoma)
Clinical trials

Risk Factors

1Female gender
2Age 25-65
3Radiation exposure
4Family history
5Genetic syndromes (MEN2, FAP)
6Iodine deficiency (follicular)
7Obesity

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Physical examination
  • 2Ultrasound
  • 3Fine needle aspiration biopsy
  • 4Thyroid function tests
  • 5Calcitonin level (medullary)
  • 6Molecular testing
  • 7CT/MRI (staging)
  • 8Radioactive iodine scan

Prognosis

Excellent for papillary and follicular; near 100% 5-year survival for localized disease. Anaplastic thyroid cancer very aggressive. Medullary variable. Most patients live normal lives after treatment.

Prevention

  • Avoid radiation exposure
  • Genetic testing (familial cases)
  • Prophylactic thyroidectomy (MEN2)
  • Maintain iodine sufficiency

Research Status

Surgery (lobectomy or total thyroidectomy) mainstay. Radioactive iodine for some. Active surveillance for low-risk papillary microcarcinoma. Targeted therapy (lenvatinib, sorafenib) for advanced. TSH suppression for high-risk.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoNigeriaSouth AfricaEgyptIndiaChinaRussiaTurkeyIranAustraliaNew ZealandSouth KoreaJapan

Sources

  • https://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer.html
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thyroid-cancer
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.