It is estimated that 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid problems, an autoimmune condition which has become very common. It is believed that the most frequent cause is an iodine deficiency caused by insufficient food consumption, which can cause diseases such as goiter and hypothyroidism. In addition, endocrine disorders are more common in women.
In an interview with ht lifestyle, Dr Manjunath Malige, Director – Diabetes and Endocrinology at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, Explained, “Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) Are Produced by the Thyroid, A Butterfly -Shaped Gland Under Adam’s apple. These hormones are crucial for many biological processes, such as digestion, mood and excitability, body temperature, pulse and heart rate and metabolism. However, terminology such as thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules are becoming more and more popular these days, so it is important to understand how they relate to each other. »»
According to research, the prevalence of thyroid cancer gradually increases in the world, but the mortality rate has remained the same. Dr. Manjunath Malige revealed: “In India, there are 5.4 cases of thyroid cancer for each Lakh people. These are growth of small pieces on the thyroid glands. Thyroid nodules are classified as: lonely (one nodule), multiple (more than one nodule), cystic (filled with liquid) and solid. »»
Causes of thyroid nodules
Dr. Manjunath Malige stressed: “The following factors increase the risk of thyroid nodules: a story of head and neck radiation; a genetic predisposition to thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer; aging; Iron deficiency anemia; smoking; obesity; Metabolic syndrome; alcohol consumption; High levels of the growth factor of the Hormone-1 insulin type; and uterine fibroids. Thyroid nodules generally do not guarantee concern. Thyroid cancer can be found in certain thyroid nodules, although the vast majority of thyroid nodules are mild. »»
The majority of thyroid nodules arise for unknown reasons. The nodules can develop for many reasons, such as –
- One or more proliferations of normal thyroid fabric are called colloid nodules. These growths are benign and not malignant. They do not spread in front of your thyroid gland, even if they could become large. These types of thyroid nodules are the most widespread.
- Partially solid and partially filled growths of liquid are known as thyroid cysts. There is little chance of cancer (malignancy) of cystic nodules.
- The continuous swelling of your thyroid gland (inflammation) leads to the development of inflammatory nodules. These growths may not hurt.
- A thyroid or multinodular goiter expanded is made up of several nodules, most of which are mild.
- The development of hyperthyroidism can result from the excess of thyroid hormone produced by these nodules.
- Thyroid cancer occurs in less than 6.5% of thyroid nodules, which makes it extremely rare.
Symptoms of thyroid nodules
Thyroid nodules generally show no symptoms. However, you might be able to notice your nodules if you have a lot or if they are tall. Rarely, nodules can develop to the point that they produce vocal anomalies or a hoarseness, difficulties to swallow or breathe, to neck and goiter pain, an enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Types of thyroid cancer
1. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common (80%), slow and frequently curable growth. Variants that develop faster, such as large cells and columns may require more intensive treatment.
2. The follicular thyroid cancer spreads to lungs or bones but has a fair prognosis and is associated with iodine deficit.
3. Oncocyte carcinoma: less common (3%), more difficult to find and cure.
4. Thyroid’s spinal cordea (MTC) cancer develops from C cells, generates calcitonin and has the potential to spread before being discovered.
5. 2% of cases are cancer of the anaplastic thyroid, aggressive and frequently derived from other tumors which had already undergone differentiation.
6. The sarcoma, SCC and thyroid lymphoma are rare and different from other thyroid cancers.
7. Parathyroid cancer, unusual cancer of the parathyroid glands leads to high levels of calcium, which can cause symptoms such as kidney stones, bone pain and exhaustion. The main course of treatment is surgery.
A bump in the neck which can grow over time, neck pain or swelling, a hoarseness or a problem of talking about difficulty swallowing or breathing, and a persistent cough which is not linked to the flu or a cold are all signs of thyroid cancer.
Diagnosis and management
Dr. Manjunath Malige said: “Doctors can recommend an ultrasound if they find tumors or anomalies in the thyroid during a physical examination to make the diagnosis. Finding out if a nodule is solid or filled with liquid can be helped by this imaging technique. Thyroid status can be determined by blood test. »»
He added: “Another technique that takes the cells from a nodule for microscopic analysis is called the fine needle (FNAB) suction biopsy. Thyroid hormone therapy, radioactive iodine therapy and surgery are available forms of treatment. For more advanced cases, external radiotherapy or targeted therapy can be used. »»
Regular prevention and screening
Dr. Manjunath Malige concluded: “Thyroid nodules and cancer cannot always be avoided, but early identification and treatment can be helped by consuming an iodine -rich diet, limiting exposure to unnecessary radiation and obtaining frequent assessments. Reduced consumption of white salt and preference for alternative salts, such as pink, etc., which are deficient in iodine, are part of the factors contributing to the increase in thyroid cases. »»
Warning: This article is for information only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always find your doctor’s opinion with questions about a medical condition.
