September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month has arrived!
The following information is found on the website, https://www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid/patient/thyroid-treatment-pdq#_1 by the National Institues of Health. Early detection and treatment saves lives, so be sure and learn the symptoms and "get your neck check".
The thyroid is a gland at the base of the throat near the trachea (windpipe). It is shaped like a butterfly, with a right lobe and a left lobe.
The thyroid controls heart rate, body temperature, and how quickly food is changed into energy (metabolism).
Thyroid nodules usually don't cause symptoms or need treatment. Sometimes the thyroid nodules become large enough that it is hard to swallow or breathe and more tests and treatment are needed.
Few thyroid nodules are diagnosed as cancer; most are benign nodules.
Thyroid cancer may not cause early signs or symptoms: symptoms can occur as a suspectexd tumor gets larger. Some symptoms may include any of the following:
A lump (nodule) in the neck.
Trouble breathing.
Trouble swallowing.
Pain when swallowing.
Hoarseness.
There are multiple tests avaialble to evaluate for the presence of thyroid cancer. These test include:
ultrasound
CT scan
Fine needle biopsy
For more information on thyroid cancer treatment and research, check out the website, THYCA.org.
