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Thyroid cancer has a very diverse natural history, ranging from the most aggressive type to very mild forms. Generally, thyroid cancer is considered not very aggressive, characterized by slow growth, slow symptom development, and a low mortality rate.
Thyroid cancer is normally found in about 10% of thyroid nodules. It can occur from the age of 10 up to 70-80 years old, most commonly between 40-60 years old. It occurs in both females and males. If found in males or in very young or very old patients, the disease tends to be more severe.
<h2>What symptoms&#8230; are signs of thyroid cancer 
</h2>
Patients with early-stage thyroid cancer often have no symptoms. A lump in the thyroid gland located at the front of the neck that moves up and down with swallowing is usually the only sign. Some patients may have a lump for many years before it rapidly grows during the advanced stage. A lump may also be found on the side of the neck due to cancer spreading to the lymph nodes. Additionally, cancer may spread to the bones, causing fractures or lumps on various bones such as the skull, clavicle, ribs, pelvis, etc. Patients may experience hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.
<h2>Health checkup&#8230; the starting point for thyroid cancer screening 
</h2>
Doctors can initially diagnose whether it is thyroid cancer through a physical examination, which may include palpation to check for lumps in the neck. If abnormalities are found, the doctor may use a fine needle aspiration to extract tissue from the thyroid lump for further examination.
<h2>Risk factors for thyroid cancer 
</h2>
There are no specific clinical symptoms for thyroid cancer screening, but several factors are believed to be associated, based on medical history and some special tests, as follows:
<ol>
<li>Age Medical reports suggest that the incidence of cancer is higher in two age groups: under 20 years old and over 60 years old. In females, the incidence increases with age, but in males, it is not related to age.</li>
<li>Gender Thyroid cancer is more common in females than males, at a ratio of 2.45:1. For other thyroid diseases, the female-to-male ratio can be as high as 20:1. Therefore, in males, if a thyroid lump is found, there is a relatively high chance of cancer, regardless of age.</li>
<li>Size Size is believed to be important; larger lumps have a higher chance of being cancerous than smaller ones. However, the most important factor is rapid changes within a short period.</li>
<li>Family history There are cases of Medullary thyroid cancer in the family.</li>
<li>Characteristics of the lump Usually hard, irregular edges, rough surface, fixed to nearby organs and skin.</li>
<li>Other symptoms such as pain, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, hoarseness, airway compression, difficulty swallowing.</li>
<li>History of radiation exposure Several medical reports acknowledge that individuals who have received radiation to the head and neck area have an increased incidence of thyroid cancer.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Treatment of thyroid cancer 
</h2>
Thyroid cancer is considered a cancer with good treatment outcomes. If detected early, surgery can be performed followed by lifelong medication to control cancer growth. In advanced stages, surgery is usually combined with radioactive iodine-131 therapy and followed by lifelong medication to control cancer growth as well.
&nbsp;
Thyroid cancer is ranked as the cancer with the best prognosis among all cancers. Patients with early-stage disease who receive proper treatment can live disease-free for 10-20 years, with survival rates as high as 80-90%.
&nbsp;
<div style="text-align: right;">Dr. Ayutthinee Singhakowin</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">Specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">Diabetes and Endocrine Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital</div>

Thyroid cancer is found in about 10% of thyroid nodules. It is commonly found in the age range of 40-60 years. If it is early-stage cancer, surgery is usually performed, followed by medication to control the growth of the cancer.

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Thyroid Cancer... A Silent Threat Detectable Through Health Checkups

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