Thyroid Cancer Overview and Epidemiology

Surgical removal of the entire thyroid gland. Used for stages I and II papillary or follicular thyroid cancers.

Removal of a part of the thyroid gland.

Radioactive Iodine (I-131) used to destroy remaining thyroid tissue.

Removal of lymph nodes in the neck.

Treatment for hypothyroidism after thyroid surgery.

A system used to classify cancers based on tumor size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and distant metastases (M).

Describes the size and extent of the tumor. It ranges from T1 (smallest) to T4 (most invasive).

Indicates if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Refers to distant spread of the cancer.

A type of thyroid cancer that grows slowly and is more common than other types.

A type of thyroid cancer that grows slowly and is often found at an early stage.

A type of thyroid cancer that is less common but can be aggressive.

A type of thyroid cancer that is rare but aggressive and grows quickly.

Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine cancer, accounting for approximately 1% of all malignancies.

Thyroid cancer typically affects individuals between the ages of 40 and 65. Women are more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men, with a ratio of 2:1.

Exposure to external radiation, particularly to the head and neck, is a significant risk factor for papillary and follicular thyroid cancers. This risk has been demonstrated after atomic bomb attacks and nuclear accidents.

Genetic factors play a crucial role in the development of medullary thyroid cancer.

Thyroid nodules, often asymptomatic, are the most common initial sign of thyroid cancer. As the nodule grows, it can cause compression symptoms, and in advanced stages, pain and difficulty swallowing may occur.

Ultrasound imaging is useful for identifying thyroid nodules and differentiating between solid and liquid content.

Thyroid scintigraphy is the gold standard imaging technique for thyroid cancer. It involves administering radioactive iodine or technetium and observing the uptake by the thyroid tissue. "Cold" nodules, which don't absorb the tracer, are suspicious for malignancy.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a procedure that involves collecting cells from the thyroid nodule with a needle. This is done to identify the nature of the nodule and determine if it is cancerous.