The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, under the Adam's apple. This gland regulates metabolism and produces a chemical that controls how the body uses calcium. Many types of cancer, both benign and malignant, can begin in the thyroid and spread to other parts of the body. For the most part, these cancers can be prevented by following a few simple guidelines.
Significance
According to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 37,200 new cases of thyroid cancer diagnosed in the United States in 2009. The same statistics estimate that more than 1600 people will die from the disease. Only about one percent of reported cancer diagnoses involve thyroid cancer, so it remains today one of the least common cancers. It is, however, the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
Prognosis
Luckily, in addition to being one of the least common cancer, thyroid cancer is one of the least deadly. The 5-year survival rate for thyroid cancer, that is the percentage of people still alive five years after the initial diagnosis, is 97 percent. Those diagnosed with thyroid cancer are usually younger than the typical cancer patient. Nearly 66 percent of thyroid cancer patients are between 20 and 55.
Risk factors
Studies have shown that there are a few risk factors associated with thyroid cancer. People exposed to larger than normal amounts of radiation are more likely to develop this disease. Those with family histories of medullary thyroid cancer, which can be passed down from parent to child, or of goiters or colon growths are at increased risk. Lastly, studies have shown that those eating a diet low in iodine increase their risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Prevention/Solution
It is very difficult to prevent thyroid cancer, simply because the risk factors are a bit vague and loosely defined. Since radiation is known to contribute to the disease, making sure that you avoid unnecessary X-rays is a good idea. This is especially true for children.
If you know your family has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, ask your doctor about the genetic tests currently available that test for mutations found in the familial version of the disease. Removing the thyroid gland is usually recommended to treat these cases. Of course, should you discover a family connection to this disease, have every other family member tested for it.
Self-screening
Thyroid cancer can be diagnosed early by a using a simply self-screening process. Regularly check your neck for lumps or any other abnormal growths. Talk to your doctor as soon as you can if you believe you've found something out of the ordinary. You should examine your neck at least twice a year for any lumps, according to the most cancer doctors.
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