Kilpirauhassyöpien

Kilpirauhassyöpien, or thyroid cancer, is a condition where abnormal cells grow in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, and other bodily functions.

There are several types of thyroid cancer, with the most common being papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Papillary and follicular cancers are generally the most treatable and often have a good prognosis. Medullary thyroid cancer is less common and can sometimes be associated with genetic syndromes. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare but aggressive and often has a poor prognosis.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are not fully understood, but risk factors can include exposure to radiation, particularly during childhood, a family history of thyroid cancer or certain genetic conditions, and iodine deficiency. In many cases, thyroid cancer develops without any apparent risk factors.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer can include a lump or swelling in the neck, changes in the voice, difficulty swallowing, or pain in the neck and throat. However, many thyroid cancers are discovered incidentally during medical imaging or examinations for other conditions, and may not cause any symptoms.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, ultrasound of the neck, blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels, and a biopsy of any suspicious lumps. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer and may include surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland, radioactive iodine therapy, hormone therapy, or external beam radiation therapy. Regular follow-up care is important after treatment to monitor for recurrence.