Thyroid Cancer

Definition

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that originates from the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

1. Papillary carcinoma (60-70%): most common type, often spreads to lymph nodes
   • Well-differentiated, grows slowly
   • Can spread to lymph nodes, distant sites
   • Treatment: surgery, radioactive iodine therapy
2. Follicular carcinoma (10-15%): also well-differentiated
   • Often spreads to lymph nodes, distant sites
   • Treatment: surgery, radioactive iodine therapy
3. Medullary carcinoma (5-10%): arises from parafollicular cells (C-cells)
   • Can be hereditary
   • Treatment: surgery, radioactive iodine therapy
4. Anaplastic carcinoma (1-2%): poorly differentiated, aggressive
   • Often spreads to lymph nodes, distant sites
   • Treatment: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy
5. Undifferentiated (anaplastic) carcinoma
6. Hurthle cell carcinoma
7. Thyroid lymphoma

Causes

1. Genetic mutations
2. Radiation exposure
3. Family history
4. Previous head or neck radiation
5. Radiation therapy for other cancers
6. Certain medical conditions (e.g., goiter, thyroiditis)

Clinical Features

1. A lump or nodule in the neck
2. Swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland
3. Difficulty swallowing or breathing
4. Hoarseness or changes in voice
5. Coughing or wheezing
6. Weight loss or fatigue
7. Pain or tenderness in the neck

Investigations

1. Physical examination
2. Imaging studies: ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET
3. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)
4. Thyroid function tests (TFTs)
5. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels
6. Thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4)
7. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels

Complications

1. Spread to lymph nodes or distant sites
2. Respiratory distress
3. Hoarseness or voice changes
4. Swallowing difficulties
5. Weight loss or fatigue
6. Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels)
7. Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels)

Management

1. Surgery: thyroidectomy, lobectomy, or subtotal thyroidectomy
2. Radioactive iodine therapy
3. External beam radiation therapy
4. Chemotherapy
5. Hormone therapy
6. Palliative care for advanced disease

Treatment

1. Surgery: primary treatment for most thyroid cancers
2. Radioactive iodine therapy: for papillary and follicular carcinoma
3. External beam radiation therapy: for anaplastic carcinoma
4. Chemotherapy: for advanced disease
5. Hormone therapy: for some types of thyroid cancer

Physical Examination of the Thyroid Gland

1. Inspection: look for thyroid gland enlargement
2. Palpation: feel for thyroid gland nodules or tenderness
3. Auscultation: listen for thyroid gland sounds
4. Percussion: tap on the thyroid gland
5. Ultrasound: evaluate thyroid gland structure and function

Homeopathic Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

1. Thyroidinum 30C: for thyroid gland dysfunction
2. Iodium 30C: for thyroid gland swelling
3. Kali iodatum 30C: for thyroid gland nodules
4. Calcarea carbonica 30C: for thyroid gland calcification
5. Arnica montana 30C: for thyroid gland inflammation

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines

1. Thyroidinum 30C: for thyroid gland dysfunction
2. Iodium 30C: for thyroid gland swelling
3. Kali iodatum 30C: for thyroid gland nodules
4. Calcarea carbonica 30C: for thyroid gland calcification
5. Arnica montana 30C: for thyroid gland inflammation
6. Lycopodium clavatum 30C: for thyroid gland growth
7. Phytolacca decandra 30C: for thyroid gland inflammation
8. Thyroidinum 200C: for advanced thyroid cancer