Kilpnäärmekasvajad

Kilpnäärmekasvajad refer to abnormal growths that develop in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the base of the neck. These growths can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign, and many do not cause any symptoms.

Benign thyroid nodules, such as adenomas or cysts, are typically slow-growing and do not spread to other parts of the body. They may be discovered incidentally during a physical examination or imaging tests for other conditions. Some benign nodules can enlarge and cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing, a visible lump in the neck, or hoarseness if they press on surrounding structures.

Malignant thyroid tumors, or thyroid cancer, are less common but require prompt diagnosis and treatment. There are several types of thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, each with different characteristics and prognoses. Risk factors for thyroid cancer can include exposure to radiation, family history, and certain genetic syndromes. Symptoms of thyroid cancer can include a lump in the neck, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Diagnosis of thyroid nodules and tumors usually involves a physical examination, ultrasound of the neck, blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels, and often a fine-needle aspiration biopsy to determine if the cells are cancerous. Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, thyroid hormone suppression therapy, or external beam radiation therapy. Benign nodules may be monitored or surgically removed if they cause symptoms or are very large.