VM Medical Park Maltepe Hastanesi

What is a goiter? How to recognize thyroid cancer?

Patients who appear with abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland are called goiter. The thyroid gland is the place where hormones that have very important roles in the human body are secreted. The thyroid gland, located on the front of our neck, is one of the most important places for a healthy body. And the goiter disease that occurs in this region is one of the common ailments that can occur in any age group.

There are very important tasks that the thyroid gland performs in the human body. This secretory gland, which is located on both sides of the trachea and has the shape of a butterfly, produces two different hormones for the body. These hormones, called thyroxine and triiodothyronine, are hormones that control the metabolic rate, regulating the body's metabolism. Therefore, the ability of the metabolism to function properly and efficiently depends on these Hormones and the thyroid gland. Goiter disease, which occurs with excessive growth of the thyroid gland, is also a kind of thyroid gland dysfunction.

With a simpler explanation, what you are looking for is a goiter, and a goiter, which is one of the most common thyroid diseases, means that the thyroid gland grows and swells more than necessary. If the goiter disease is not controlled, this process carries significant risks that can turn into thyroid cancer in the future.

What are the symptoms of goiter

As with all diseases, the symptoms observed in goiter disease vary from patient to patient. In research, it will usually not show any symptoms, except for the formation of swelling in the lower part of the neck, if it does not cause a change in hormone levels. However, with the progression of the disease and reaching more serious dimensions, the symptoms that are often encountered are as follows;

  • Constant coughing,
  • Hoarseness,
  • Feeling of tightness in the throat,
  • Difficulty swallowing,
  • Difficulty breathing,
  • A constant state of wheezing,
  • Dizziness is observed when the arms are raised.

Just as goiter disease can be seen alone, in addition, hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid, is also observed in many patients due to goiter. The symptoms that occur in such patients are much different. The most likely symptoms observed in these patients are listed as follows;

  • Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
  • Excessive sweating and intolerance to heat,
  • Experiencing weight loss despite increased appetite,
  • Thesis vitality and irritability,
  • A constant palpitation and irregularity in the heartbeat,
  • Hair loss,
  • Loss of power,
  • Irregularity in menstrual bleeding

 as it appears to us. 

 

What is thyroid cancer 

Thyroid cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the thyroid gland turn into cancer cells. Thyroid cancer is most often displayed as a nodule in the thyroid gland or as a mass in the neck. These nodules and these masses, which occur in different types, can be detected by certain examinations and can be controlled if they are treated as quickly as possible.

How to recognize thyroid cancer 

Thyroid cancer is a fairly progressive type of cancer, if you are. This disease is mostly symptom-free. In some patients, there is a follow-up process due to goiter, and thyroid cancer can occur during examinations for goiter. In addition, again, goiter cancer can be detected by chance in some examinations performed for different diseases. Thyroid cancer that does not show many symptoms, although rarely in some patients;

  • Mass formation in the neck,
  • Hoarseness,
  • Difficulty swallowing,
  • Bone fractures,
  • Hyperthyroidism- toxic goiter 

it is manifested by symptoms. 

Why does thyroid cancer occur

there are three main diseases that develop depending on the thyroid gland, which has a very important place in the human body. Among these diseases, the most commonly observed is goiter disease. Decongestant goiter is the most common type of goiter. However, thyroid inflammation and thyroid cancer are other diseases that have been observed.  Each of these diseases can be encountered in every age regardless of gender difference.  Each of them is treated as treatable diseases when diagnosed with early diagnosis.

The general cause of thyroid disorders develops due to iodine deficiency. However, exposure to intense radiation, especially in childhood, is one of the most important causes that trigger thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is a disease that carries a genetic risk factor depending on family history. These reasons are among the most commonly observed risk factors for thyroid cancer.

Types of thyroid cancer

There are 4 different types of cancer observed in the thyroid gland. The types of thyroid cancer are as follows;

  • Papillary type,
  • Follicular type
  • Medullary type
  • It is the anaplastic type.

At the stage of diagnosis, it is determined which type of thyroid cancer it is. And according to the type of thyroid cancer, the treatment process of specialist doctors begins.