Thyroid cancer is one of the most curable cancers when detected early. Here are the signs every adult should know.
How common is it?
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer. It is three times more frequent in women and most often diagnosed between 30 and 60.
Warning signs
A painless lump in the front of the neck, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or an enlarging lymph node in the side of the neck.
Diagnosis
Ultrasound and FNAC are the cornerstones. CT/MRI may be used for advanced cases to plan surgery.
Treatment
Most thyroid cancers are treated with surgery (total or hemithyroidectomy), sometimes followed by radioactive iodine. Lifelong follow-up with thyroglobulin and ultrasound is standard.
Survival
Five-year survival for differentiated thyroid cancer is over 95% with timely treatment.