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Throat Cancer: Signs & Solutions

Throat Cancer Symptoms

The thyroid is a part of the endocrine system. It is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the throat. It has a left lobe and a right lobe. The middle of the thyroid gland, where the lobes meet, is called the isthmus. The thyroid makes the hormone thyroxine. This helps the body regulate metabolism, blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and weight.

The thyroid is a gland located within the neck just under the Adam's apple. Thyroid cancer manifests itself through malignant tumors, or nodules.

Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine cancer, and diagnosis is on the rise in the United States. This may be because it has become easier to find the disease. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that 60,220 men and women (14,910 men and 45,310 women) will be diagnosed with and 1,850 men and women will die of cancer of the thyroid in 2013.

Thyroid cancer typically doesn't cause any signs or symptoms early in the disease. As thyroid cancer grows, it may cause:

• Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia
• Changes in your voice
• Sore throat
• Unexplainable weight loss
• Swelling of the eyes, jaw, throat or neck
• Bleeding in the mouth or through the nose
• Chronic cough

Some symptoms of throat cancer are specific to certain areas of the body. For instance, changes in your voice may be a sign of laryngeal (voice box) cancer, but would rarely indicate cancer of the pharynx.
Early detection of thyroid cancer is possible if you check yourself for symptoms on a regular basis.

How to Check for Thyroid Cancer Symptoms

• Know if you're at risk. Papillary thyroid cancer is most often found in people who underwent neck or head radiation as a child. The radiation therapy may have been treatment for an enlarged thyroid gland, acne or fungus infections of the scalp. Follicular carcinoma, a less-common form of thyroid cancer, is found in people with iodine deficiencies.
• Feel your neck to check for bumps and see if your neck appears swollen. These are the most common symptoms of thyroid cancer.
• Examine your neck thoroughly at least twice a year for signs of a thyroid nodule, or bump.
• Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms of cancer of the thyroid.
• Ask your general physician to check for thyroid cancer when you undergo a routine examination.

Diagnosing Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer may be diagnosed by physical exam or laboratory test. An examination of the neck may reveal a small or large mass in the thyroid. Lymph nodes may also be enlarged.
Lab tests that are used to diagnose thyroid cancer include:

• thyroid function tests (T4, T3RU, TSH)
• thyroglobulin, for papillary or follicular cancers
• ultrasound of the thyroid
• thyroid scan
• thyroid biopsy
• calcium, phosphorus levels in the blood
• calcitonin levels in the blood
• laryngoscopy can be used to look for cancer spread

Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

Treatment varies with the type of thyroid cancer. If the cancer has spread, or metastasized, this will affect treatment. Most patients undergo surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone can then be replaced with supplements.
Other treatment methods include:

• radioactive iodine
• external beam radiation therapy
• surgery
• chemotherapy

Prognosis of Thyroid Cancer

Prognosis for thyroid cancer is generally good. However, thyca.org estimates that thyroid cancer has a 30 percent recurrence rate. Thyroid cancer can recur decades after initial treatment. Therefore, regular follow up is an essential part of care.
An estimated 59 million Americans suffer from thyroid disorders - however, the majority of people don’t know it. Consider contacting a qualified endocrinologist today to schedule a thorough thyroid examination if you have some or all of the following symptoms.

 

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