Kilpirauhassyöpäiso

Kilpirauhassyöpäiso is a Finnish term that translates to thyroid cancer. It refers to a group of cancers that begin in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism.

There are several types of thyroid cancer, with the most common being papillary thyroid cancer and follicular thyroid cancer. These are collectively known as differentiated thyroid cancers. Less common types include medullary thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer, which tend to be more aggressive.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer can include a lump or swelling in the neck, changes in voice, difficulty swallowing, and pain in the neck or throat. However, many people with thyroid cancer have no symptoms, and it is often discovered incidentally during medical imaging for other conditions.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are not fully understood, but risk factors can include exposure to radiation, a history of certain thyroid conditions, and genetic mutations.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, ultrasound of the neck, blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels, and a biopsy of any suspicious nodules. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, and sometimes external beam radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The prognosis for most types of thyroid cancer, especially differentiated types, is generally good with appropriate treatment.