Thyroid cancer occurs in the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. This cancer can present in several forms, including papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer, with papillary being the most common and anaplastic being the most aggressive. Symptoms may include a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or swollen lymph nodes. However, many cases are detected early due to routine examinations or imaging tests. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), possibly followed by radioactive iodine therapy, radiation, or chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer. With early detection and proper treatment, most thyroid cancers have a favorable prognosis, especially papillary and follicular types, which have high survival rates.
Dr. Majid Samsami is an Associate Professor and faculty member at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran. He is a specialist […]
Dr. Morad Katiraee is a general surgery specialist with over 20 years of experience in various surgical fields, including obesity, thyroid, digestive issues, […]