Have you ever felt a lump in your neck? Or have you noticed a change in your voice or difficulty swallowing? Sometimes these are normal things, but sometimes they can be a sign of a problem with your thyroid gland. That's why today we thought we would talk about this thing called follicular thyroid cancer. Don't be afraid, it's very important to be aware of this.
So what is this thyroid gland?
Okay, first let's look at what the thyroid gland is. Simply put, it's a small butterfly-shaped organ in the front of your neck. To be precise, it's just under your windpipe. It's part of our body's endocrine system . Its main job is to produce hormones . These hormones control many important things in our body. For example, these thyroid hormones are essential for our body's metabolism , which is turning the food we eat into energy, and for controlling the level of calcium in the blood.
So, thyroid cancer occurs when the cells in the thyroid gland, for some reason , start to grow abnormally and uncontrollably .
How many types of thyroid cancer are there?
Yes, there are four main types of thyroid cancer. Doctors distinguish and identify these by examining the cancer cells under a microscope.
They are:
- Follicular cancer: Today we are talking about this type.
- Papillary cancer: This is the most common type.
- Medullary cancer.
- Anaplastic cancer: This is a bit more serious, but very rare.
These cancers are further classified as:
- Well-differentiated cancers: These cells resemble normal thyroid cells to some extent. This makes them easier to treat and often completely curable. Both follicular and papillary types fall into this category.
- Undifferentiated cancers: These cells are very different from normal cells, making them more difficult to treat. Anaplastic carcinoma is one of these types.
What is the difference between follicular and papillary cancer?
Both types start in the follicular cells of the thyroid gland, so there are many similarities between the two. However, papillary carcinoma is more likely to spread to the lymph nodes than follicular carcinoma. Papillary carcinoma is also more common than follicular carcinoma.
What is the difference between follicular and medullary cancer?
Medullary thyroid cancer is a type of neuroendocrine tumor . It arises from the C-cells in the thyroid gland. These C-cells produce a hormone called calcitonin . This hormone controls the level of calcium in our blood. Medullary cancer is a little more aggressive than follicular cancer, which means it can spread quickly. It may also be associated with a family history of the disease.
Who gets follicular thyroid cancer?
It can actually happen to anyone. However, it is more common in older women . This means that women between the ages of 40-60 are at higher risk.
How common is this?
Follicular thyroid cancer accounts for 10% to 15% of all thyroid cancers. Most people develop papillary thyroid cancer (which accounts for about 70% to 80%).
How does follicular thyroid cancer affect me?
Sometimes, follicular thyroid cancer can cause a lump in your neck or pain. But if it is detected early , it can be treated and completely cured. If left untreated, this cancer can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Once it spreads, it becomes a little more difficult to treat.
What are the symptoms of follicular thyroid cancer?
Remember, sometimes there may be no symptoms at all. However, if you have one or more of the following symptoms, it's a good idea to see a doctor:
- A lump or swelling in the neck ( thyroid nodule). This is the most common symptom.
- Ear pain, or pain in the jaw or neck.
- Hoarseness or change in voice ( dysphonia ).
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing ( dysphagia ).
Don't be afraid of cancer just because you have these symptoms. However, it is wise to seek medical advice.
What are the causes of follicular thyroid cancer?
Doctors don't know exactly why thyroid cells grow abnormally. However, some risk factors have been identified. For example, radiation exposure may be one cause. This means that if you have previously had radiation therapy to your neck for another disease, or if you work in a job that involves radioactive materials, you are at higher risk. People who live in areas with iodine deficiency are also said to be at higher risk of developing this cancer.
Is this cancer contagious?
No, follicular thyroid cancer is not a contagious disease . You cannot spread it to anyone else.
How long does it take for follicular thyroid cancer to spread?
This is difficult to say for sure. Sometimes cancer can spread quickly, sometimes it can take years. Whether or not it metastasizes , and how quickly, varies from person to person. That's why we say it's important to diagnose the disease as early as possible and start treatment.
How do doctors diagnose this?
When you go to see a doctor, a lump in your neck may be detected during a routine physical examination. Sometimes, a lump may be found incidentally during imaging tests done for another reason.
If the doctor suspects a lump, they may perform tests such as:
- CT scan
- MRI
- Ultrasound scan - This is the most commonly used to check for lumps in the neck.
- X-ray - This won't show thyroid nodules very clearly, but a chest X-ray can be taken to see if the cancer has spread to the lungs.
What tests are done to confirm?
Not all lumps in the neck are cancerous. Many are benign . So, if your doctor suspects that you might have cancer, he or she may recommend a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). This involves taking a small sample of cells from the lump with a very fine needle and having it examined under a microscope by a cytologist . This is the only way to tell for sure whether or not there are cancer cells.
How is follicular thyroid cancer treated?
In most cases, the main treatment for follicular thyroid cancer is surgery .
What can be done with surgery is:
- Removing only the part of the thyroid gland that contains the nodule ( lobectomy ).
- Removing the entire thyroid gland ( total thyroidectomy ).
- If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, those lymph nodes will also be removed.
Are there any other treatments besides surgery?
Yes, depending on the stage of the cancer, that is, how far the cancer has spread, and whether it has spread to other organs, further treatment may be recommended after surgery.
They are:
- Radioiodine therapy (RAI): This is a common treatment for follicular cancer. Because thyroid cells absorb iodine, radioactive iodine is given to kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Thyroid hormone therapy: After the thyroid gland is completely removed, the body needs to be given thyroid hormones from outside. Also, giving these hormones helps control the growth of cancer cells.
- External Beam Radiation Therapy: In some special cases, especially if the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues in the neck, this treatment may be given.
- Chemotherapy: This is not a common treatment for follicular thyroid cancer. It is given for cancers that have spread widely and are not responding to other treatments.
- Targeted therapy: These are newer types of drugs that target specific molecules in cancer cells, causing less damage to normal cells.
Are there any side effects of the treatment?
Cancer treatments can cause a variety of side effects. These vary from person to person. Some people may experience:
- Diarrhea
- Appetite
- Fatigue
- Hair loss - This is more common during chemotherapy.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty speaking and swallowing (especially after surgery)
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things ( chemo brain)
- Weakness
The most important thing is to tell your doctor if you experience any side effects. There are now ways to control many side effects.
How long does treatment for follicular thyroid cancer take?
Your doctor will regularly check how you are responding to treatment. If the cancer is no longer in your body, you will not need active treatment. However, if your thyroid gland has been removed, you will need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of your life. This is essential to staying healthy. Your doctor will also continue to monitor you for any recurrence of the cancer (follow-up care).
Is there a way to reduce the risk of developing this cancer?
There is really little we can do to prevent follicular thyroid cancer. However, if someone in your family has had cancer, or if you have other risk factors, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. He or she can tell you if there is anything you should do specifically.
What happens if I have follicular thyroid cancer?
First, don't panic. Talk to your doctor carefully and ask them what stage your cancer is in, what treatments are recommended, and what you can expect from them. Your medical team will also help you manage any side effects that may occur during treatment. Then you can go about your daily activities.
Can follicular thyroid cancer be cured?
Yes, follicular thyroid cancer can be cured in most cases! Especially if it is detected early , the chances of cure are much higher. Therefore,
- If you have any symptoms of thyroid cancer,
- Or if you have risk factors for developing thyroid cancer,
See a doctor without delay.
How do I take care of myself?
Even after treatment is complete, your doctor may recommend follow-up care , such as blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels and scans to check for recurrence.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Follicular thyroid cancer is a largely treatable condition. So, don't panic, be aware.
- If you experience a lump in your neck, swelling, a change in your voice, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately .
- Doctors perform various tests to diagnose this condition.
- The main treatment is surgery, and if necessary, radioactive iodine therapy and hormone therapy are also provided.
- If detected early, the chances of recovery are much higher.
If you have any more questions about this, don't hesitate to ask your doctor. They are happy to help you. Stay healthy!
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