24 Jan Coping with Thyroid Cancer: Emotional and Physical Support
Coping with Thyroid Cancer: Emotional and Physical Support
By Island Hospital | January 24, 2025 2:00:00 PM
Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, which can arise in any tissue or organ within the human body.
While various types of cancer present significant health challenges globally, thyroid cancer, though less prevalent than some others, has emerged as a notable concern, ranking as the 10th most common cancer worldwide.
This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of thyroid cancer, covering its various forms, associated symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic procedures, treatment options, and preventive measures.
By shedding light on this little-known cancer type, we hope to foster awareness in readers to identify potential signs early and seek prompt medical care.
What You Should Know About Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer originates in the thyroid gland, a vital organ responsible for producing hormones that regulate essential bodily functions such as metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ situated in the front of the neck, just below Adam’s apple, as seen in the image below. Typically, it’s not visible or palpable.
Photo by Cleveland Clinic
Types of Thyroid Cancer
Depending on the type of cell where the cancer originates, we typically categorize thyroid cancer into four different types:
| Papillary thyroid cancer | |
| Follicular thyroid cancer | |
| Medullary thyroid cancer | |
| Anaplastic thyroid cancer |
In addition to medullary thyroid cancer, other less common types of thyroid cancer include oncocytic (Hurthle cell) thyroid cancer. This is a rare variant of follicular thyroid cancer that, compared to other follicular types, has a greater likelihood of spreading to different parts of the body.
Signs & Symptoms
While alterations in the size or appearance of your thyroid gland, whether noticed by yourself or your healthcare provider, are often benign, it is crucial to undergo a medical examination to minimize potential malignancy risk.
Here are some concerning signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer to look out for during self-examination:
- Swelling or lump in the neck
- Hoarseness or changes in voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent cough not related to illness
What are the signs of advanced thyroid cancer?
If thyroid cancer has spread to other parts of the body, you may experience:
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Frequent nausea and vomiting
- Losing weight without trying
If you experience these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
Causes of Thyroid Cancer
Scientists aren’t entirely certain why some thyroid cells turn cancerous. However, certain factors can elevate your risk, such as:
- Genetic Predisposition
Certain inherited genetic conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes, can increase susceptibility. - Family History
A family history of thyroid cancer or other thyroid diseases may indicate an increased risk. - Iodine Deficiency
A diet lacking in iodine, an essential nutrient for thyroid function, can contribute to thyroid cancer development. - Radiation Exposure
Exposure to radiation, particularly during childhood, can significantly raise the risk. This includes radiation therapy for other cancers and exposure to radioactive fallout. - Obesity
Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as obesity has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer. - Thyroid Conditions
Existing thyroid conditions like goiter (enlarged thyroid) or thyroiditis (inflammation) can be associated with a higher risk.
Thyroid cancer can affect individuals of all ages, but it is most prevalent among those between the ages of 20 and 55. Women are disproportionately affected by this disease compared to men.
Shed those extra pounds to minimize your cancer risk. Learn how a balanced diet can help you reach your weight loss goals in this article on Malaysian Healthy Plate: A Comprehensive Guide.
Diagnosis & Treatment
To figure out if the lump on your neck is severe, your doctor may use a few different tests. These might include:
1. Physical Exam
Before performing any form of diagnosis, your healthcare provider will examine your neck to feel for changes and inquire about your possible risk factors.
2. Blood Tests
Blood tests that measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones can help assess the function of your thyroid gland.
3. Genetic Testing
As inherited genes cause some thyroid cancers, your doctor should talk to a genetic counselor about genetic testing. Genetic testing can help you understand your risk of other cancers and the potential risk for your children.
4. Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound is a simple test that uses sound waves to create pictures of your body.
For assessing your thyroid, your doctor will place the ultrasound device on your neck to conjure images showing any nodule (lump) that looks suspicious.
This method also allows your doctor to check your lymph nodes in your neck for any signs of cancer.
5. Tissue Sample Removal
A small sample of the thyroid nodule is taken with a thin needle. This sample is examined under a microscope to determine if it’s cancerous.
If the test results are inconclusive, additional tests or surgery may be necessary to make a definitive diagnosis.
Thyroid Cancer Treatment
Your treatment plan for thyroid cancer will be tailored to your specific situation, considering factors such as the type and stage of cancer, your general health, and your personal preferences.
Fortunately, the outlook for most people diagnosed with thyroid cancer is very positive.
With effective treatment, many people with this type of cancer can achieve a complete cure:
| Surgery | Surgery is a common treatment for thyroid cancer. The type and stage of your cancer will determine the extent of the surgery. You may need:
If your cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in your neck, they may also be removed during surgery. |
| Chemotherapy | This is a medication treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is not a common treatment for thyroid cancer, but it may be used in some cases of advanced or aggressive thyroid cancer. |
| Hormone Therapy | To maintain optimal hormone levels and lower the chance of cancer recurrence, you may need to take hormone replacement medication (levothyroxine) after surgery. |
| Radiofrequency ablation | This innovative treatment uses ultrasound to pinpoint a tumor whereby your doctor will insert a needle with applied heat to destroy the cancerous tissue. Researchers are exploring the potential of this technique for patients with small, slow-growing thyroid cancers. |
| Radioactive Iodine Treatment | This treatment uses a radioactive form of iodine to kill any remaining thyroid cancer cells that may not have been removed during surgery. |
| Targeted medicines | Targeted therapies can help slow down cancer progression. You may benefit from this approach if other treatments aren't working or the cancer has spread. |
Revolutionising Thyroid Cancer Treatment
The landscape of thyroid cancer treatment is rapidly evolving, with groundbreaking advancements offering new hope for patients:
1. AI Precision Tools
Leveraging advanced AI, Harvard Medical School revolutionises diagnostic imaging, enabling accurate differentiation between benign and malignant growths.
2. Gene-Specific Treatments
There has also been significant progress in targeting specific gene alterations in thyroid cancer:
- NTRK fusion-positive thyroid cancer
NTRK-specific inhibitors were a major breakthrough and have shown promising results. - RET-altered thyroid cancer
RET-specific inhibitors have also been effective in treating these cancers, and great progress has been seen. - ALK fusion-positive thyroid cancer
ALK-specific inhibitors have demonstrated durable responses in patients with advanced thyroid cancers.
3. Future Directions
- BRAF V600E mutation
Researchers are actively working on targeting this mutation that causes a permanent change in the BRAF gene (protein code for cell growth).
It’s associated with more rapid cancer growth, a higher death rate, and a higher risk of disease recurrence – common in advanced papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancers. - RAS-driven thyroid cancer
Drugs developed for other RAS-driven cancers, such as pancreatic cancer and melanoma, may be applied to treat RAS-driven thyroid cancers in the future.
Coping with Your Diagnosis
Coping with a thyroid cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but there are ways to manage your emotions and get the support you need.
Lifestyle Choices After Surgery
Thyroid surgery is considered a major operation. Therefore, it’s essential to allow your body sufficient time to heal.
While most individuals recover within a few weeks, healing times can vary.
It is important to reach out to your doctor if you have any concerns about post-operative activities or restrictions. Here’s a general breakdown of the lifestyle choices you should heed after this surgery:
- Pain and Discomfort
Your neck may feel stiff and tender due to the incision.
To help you overcome this discomfort, your doctor will provide pain medications and prescribe gentle neck and shoulder exercises to prevent long-term stiffness. - Wound Care
Keep your wound clean and dry to prevent infection while avoiding direct sunlight and water exposure until fully healed. - Diet and Nutrition
Initially, opt for soft, easy-to-swallow foods. As your healing progresses, you can gradually reintroduce your regular diet. - Medication
Take thyroid hormone replacement therapy as prescribed by your doctor. If your entire thyroid gland was removed, you’ll need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy for life to help regulate your body’s metabolism. - Physical Activity
Gradually increase physical activity levels. Avoid strenuous exercise, particularly contact sports, for several weeks post-surgery. - Work and Driving
Prioritize full recovery before returning to work and driving. Only resume when you feel safe and comfortable to avoid post-surgery complications.
Remember to consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
Resources and Support
Coping with a thyroid cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but there are ways to manage your emotions and get the support you need. Here’s what you can do:
- Find a Support Group
Sharing your experiences with others who have gone through similar challenges can provide invaluable support and understanding.Joining a support group or online community dedicated to thyroid cancer can help you manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges you may be facing alone.Malaysian support groups such as the National Cancer Society Malaysia offer services to both patients and caregivers in need.
- Prioritize Your Mental Health
Practice stress-management techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.It may be best also to consider seeking counselling or therapy to help you cope with the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. There are people who care about you and want to help. By taking care of yourself physically and emotionally, you can increase your chances of a positive outcome.
Want to expand your knowledge of cancer? Explore our comprehensive article on the nine most prevalent types of cancer.
Begin Your Journey To Recovery Now
A diagnosis of thyroid cancer can be a daunting experience. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and scared.
However, it’s important to remember that there is hope, and many types of thyroid cancer are highly treatable with the proper care.
Island Hospital provides a person-centered approach to cancer care for you and your family at our Clinical Oncology and Haemato-Oncology Centre, considering all aspects of your health, including your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Book an appointment today and start your journey to recovery.
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FAQ
Does hyperthyroidism lead to thyroid cancer?
No, having an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) doesn’t increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer. However, some studies suggest that up to 20% of people with thyroid cancer may also have hyperthyroidism.
What is the life expectancy of someone with thyroid cancer?
Fortunately, most thyroid cancers are slow-growing, leading to excellent long-term outcomes for patients with proper treatment.
Surgery is the primary treatment for nearly all thyroid cancer types. While a quarter of patients may need additional radioactive iodine therapy, less than 5% require more intensive treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Do thyroid cancer patients need a low-iodine diet?
Doctors would recommend a low-iodine diet (LID) for individuals scheduled to receive radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for thyroid cancer.
However, if you’re undergoing RAI for hyperthyroidism, you generally don’t need to follow an LID unless specifically instructed by your doctor or medical team.
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