This week, retired model and beauty queen Mirit Greenberg publicly announced, three years after her recovery from breast cancer, that she will need to undergo surgery to remove a tumor from her thyroid gland. Her diagnosis was confirmed on Monday and she revealed that the tumor is cancerous. She expressed her feelings, saying, “I’m entering a hospital movie again. Forgive me if I’m not in a position Breeze.” Thyroid cancer is one of the few types of cancer that has seen a rise in prevalence in recent years. In Israel alone, hundreds of new patients are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year. Despite this, the chances of recovery are relatively high, particularly among young women. It is important to recognize the early warning signs of thyroid cancer and know when to seek medical advice.
Understanding the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system and is located at the front of the neck, just below the larynx. It plays a crucial role in the production of hormones in the body, which is a process that begins in the hypothalamus in the brain, then moves to the pituitary gland, and finally to the thyroid gland.
Recognizing the Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Cancer
The most common early warning sign of thyroid cancer is an abnormal lump or swelling in the neck. If you notice a new lump, it is crucial to seek medical advice for further testing, such as an ultrasound, and possibly a needle biopsy to determine whether the lump is indeed a tumor. While most thyroid nodules are benign, any unusual lumps should be examined by a specialist. Other early warning signs of thyroid cancer include fatigue, weight loss or gain, hoarseness, swollen neck glands, or a persistent cough that is not related to a cold or any other known medical condition.
Types of Thyroid Cancer
There are several types of thyroid cancer, with the most common being a tumor known as papillary carcinoma, which constitutes the majority of malignant thyroid tumors. The chances of recovery from papillary carcinoma are quite high, particularly for young women, following appropriate treatment. The tumor typically manifests as a lump in the center of the lower neck that moves when swallowing and is not sensitive to touch.
Potential Causes of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is particularly prevalent among young women. It is less common in older men and rare in children. Despite extensive research, the exact causes of thyroid cancer are still unknown. However, several risk factors have been identified. These include exposure to high levels of radiation, a family history of medullary tumor (a type of thyroid cancer that is often hereditary), and a history of an enlarged thyroid gland or benign thyroid tumor. If someone in your family has had a medullary tumor or enlarged glands, it is recommended to undergo genetic testing.
Treating Thyroid Tumors
The primary treatment for thyroid tumors is surgery. Other treatment options such as radiation or chemotherapy may be considered in advanced cases of thyroid cancer, but they are generally not very effective. A unique treatment option for thyroid cancer is radioactive iodine therapy, which can supplement surgery in treating the tumor. The decision to perform a partial or complete resection of the gland, along with any additional surgical procedures, is made after a thorough discussion among a multidisciplinary team.
Conclusion
The thyroid gland, shaped like a butterfly and located in the neck, may not present any suspicious symptoms in the early stages of cancer. In some cases, thyroid cancer is discovered during a routine examination or imaging test for another medical condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to a successful recovery. Although an abnormal lump or swelling in the neck is one of the most common warning signs of thyroid cancer, there are other symptoms to be aware of. It is recommended to seek professional medical advice and undergo thorough testing to confirm or rule out a tumor.
About the author: Valeria Semenisti, senior oncologist at Maccabi Health Services North District, and director of an oncology institute in Hillel Yaffe Hadera and Assuta Haifa
