As a specialist ENT in London, Jon Hughes is fully trained and experienced in a variety of ear, nose and throat concerns. One of them is thyroid cancer. While cancer can seem scary, information is one of the best defence methods. Knowing what it feels like and how to treat it is important and something we want to help all our patients to understand here in London. Read on to find out common signs and symptoms of cancer of the thyroid, and how to treat it if it does develop.
A few facts
First, let’s talk about thyroid cancer as a whole. According to Cancer Research UK:
– Since the early 1990s, cases have increased by 175%. And in the period running to 2035, cases are predicted to rise by a further 75%.
– Women are most commonly affected, especially those in the 65-69 age group. The most recent research carried out shows that around a tenth (11%) of new cases in men and women affect those aged 75 and over.
– 84% of those with it live for 10 or more years. However, it’s crucial that specialists detect it and treat it as early as possible for the best outcome.
Signs of thyroid cancer
Cancer of the thyroid affects the thyroid gland, found at the base of the neck. Symptoms include swelling or a lump; hoarseness; sore throat; and trouble swallowing. There are actually four different strands, varying in ease of treatment.
Causes of thyroid cancer
The condition can be caused by an inflamed thyroid, known as goitre. These are usually located on the front of the neck. Other links are obesity, family history and certain medical conditions, such as acromegaly (which makes the body grow too quickly). It’s important to remember that, according to the NHS, it is usually treatable and often curable, but it can return after treatment.
Thyroid cancer treatment
There are lots of different options you can try for treatment. As well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, you could choose to have surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. You can still live without your thyroid, but will need lifelong hormone therapy to replace the ones it would naturally produce. Treatment could prevent the cancer from returning or spreading.
Treatment with Jon Hughes
As an ENT specialist, we’re here to help. Contact our London team to schedule a consultation and find out which thyroid cancer treatment option is right for you.