Caught In The Spotlight: Exposing Thyroid Cancer
If you have a thyroid condition, you are likely already aware of the impressive impact that this small walnut-sized gland has on the body. Metabolic function, cognitive ability, digestion, and hormone production are all regulated by the thyroid. Because of its integral role, it is critical that we take action to maintain good thyroid health. A primary opponent of good thyroid health is thyroid cancer. Perhaps the greatest strength of this type of cancer is ignorance of it.
Dr. Kent Holtorf, Guest
Thyroid Nation
Data suggests that thyroid cancer diagnoses have increased threefold over the past 30 years. Worse still, an estimated 57,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with it in 2017. Of this group, it is anticipated that 2,000 will die due to this dreadful disease. To overcome this blight on thyroid health we must understand it.
What Is It?
Thyroid cancer involves cancerous cells originating in the thyroid gland or thyroid tissue. Fortunately, this cancer has a high rate of survival, resting near 97%. However, this does not mean it should be taken lightly. The most insidious aspect of thyroid cancer is its ability to spread to other systems and organs. Depending on the type of cancer, it can move aggressively to other regions in the body or more slowly.
Metabolic function, cognitive ability, digestion, hormone production: regulated by the thyroid Click To TweetPapillary carcinoma is the most common form of thyroid cancer and originates in the follicular cells (the cells responsible for secreting thyroid hormones). Nearly 80% of all thyroid cancer cases fall within this category. Fortunately, papillary carcinoma is slow-growing. However, if left unchecked it can spread to the lymph nodes found in the neck. As the cancer spreads to more systems it becomes increasingly difficult to treat.
Follicular carcinoma is the second most common form of thyroid cancer responsible for 10-15% of all thyroid cancer cases. This brand of cancer also originates in the follicular cells. While it is less likely to infect the lymph nodes it is notably more likely to invade and attack other organs. Follicular carcinoma is more frequently seen among those living in areas with low iodine intake. If you live within the United States or another location where food is frequently iodized you have a much lower risk of developing this specific type of thyroid cancer.
Medullary cancer is even less common and is generated within the upper central lobe of the thyroid. It spreads more aggressively to the lymph nodes than the previously mentioned forms, making it especially dangerous.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the rarest but also the most harmful as it is more likely to impact other organs. This can cause widespread damage resulting in significantly inhibited health and higher risk of mortality. Anaplastic thyroid cancer usually requires a thyroidectomy. This is generally followed by bouts of radiation. If the cancer spreads to other areas such as the trachea it may become inoperable.
As you can see, even though thyroid cancer is considered one of the least threatening forms of cancer a person may develop, it can irreparably damage your health.
Who Is At Risk?
Now that we are more familiar with the condition itself, your next step in greater thyroid cancer awareness is knowing the risk factors associated with it. Even though cancer is not fully understood there are various indicators that can warn you of greater thyroid cancer susceptibility.
- If you are between the ages of 20 and 55 it is particularly important to familiarize yourself with thyroid cancer as two-thirds of all thyroid cancer cases occur within that age range.
- If you or your family has a history of thyroid dysfunction including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and goiter you are more likely to develop thyroid cancer.
- Being a woman increases your risk of developing thyroid cancer. Roughly 75% of thyroid cancer cases are found among women. However, as a man you still need to be vigilant and aware of thyroid cancer.
- Iodine deficiency can result in thyroid dysfunction and increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer.
- Other conditions that may run in your family, such as adenomatous polyposis, Gardner syndrome, Cowden disease, and type I Carney complex, may contribute greatly to the development of thyroid cancer.
If you are free of these risk factors, you have a notably lower risk of developing thyroid cancer. However, it does not mean that you are immune to this devastating illness. Knowing the signs of thyroid cancer, even if you do not possess an increased risk of developing it, may help you save the life of yourself and others.
Recognizing Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer doesn’t always have obvious symptoms. For this reason, it is important that you take responsibility of your thyroid and take the proper precautions. Being vigilant and watchful for the following symptoms can help you identify thyroid cancer early. Common symptoms to keep an eye out for include:
- Pain and swelling around the neck
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Sensations of fullness around the neck
- Changes in voice
- Chronic cough
- Difficulty breathing and/or swallowing
The most easily identifiable symptom of thyroid cancer is a lump, growth, or nodule in the neck. By conducting a simple check for yourself you may be able to detect this defining aspect. The following steps lay out an easily conducted self-examination for thyroid cancer.
- Stand in front of the mirror in a manner that allows you to easily see your neck
- Tilt your neck backwards while keeping your throat in sight
- Swallow a small amount of water, using a straw if needed
- Actively look for lumps or enlargements above the collar bone but below the area of the Adam’s Apple
- Repeat this action while using your other hand to feel for enlargements or bulges
- If you see or feel a lump pursue medical attention to get a doctor’s opinion
Even though this method can catch thyroid cancer on occasion it cannot replace a doctor’s professional analysis and examination. It is important to regularly visit your doctor to acquire appropriate thyroid testing.
Thyroid Awareness
Because the thyroid is such an integral part of your system it is important that you take the appropriate measures to care for it. Without your thyroid, your body would have amazing difficulty regulating hormone production, metabolism, digestion, and maintaining cognitive ability. There are many opportunities to engage in thyroid awareness and you’ve already taken the first step by reading this article!
About the Author
Kent Holtorf, MD is an American physician and entrepreneur. He is a board examiner of the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine (ABAAM). He is the founder and medical director of Holtorf Medical Group, a practice of five centers that reports to specialize in the treatment and management of medical conditions and disorders including fibromyalgia, adrenal fatigue, complex endocrine dysfunction, hypothyroidism, age management, chronic fatigue syndrome, low libido, Lyme disease, migraines, PMS, perimenopause and menopause. His practice focuses on alternative therapies that are not yet standard practice with mainstream doctors,[2] maintaining that mainstream medicine tends to be an average of 17 years behind the emergence of new and advanced treatments. Holtorf Medical Group was founded on the belief that every patient deserves to have the highest quality of care, compassion, and understanding when striving for a better quality of life. We practice this belief every day as we treat thousands of patients who suffer with chronic conditions, have been treated by multiple doctors and some that have even lost hope. There is a solution! Check out their website HoltorfMed.com, for more information and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
