The thyroid plays a vital role in the body's ability to regulate an individual's hormones and metabolism. Two forms of tumors may develop in the thyroid; a benign, or noncancerous tumor, or a cancerous tumor that may spread throughout the body. Either can cause symptoms. According to the American Thyroid Association, thyroid cancer is a more obscure form of cancer; however, it is the most common form of endocrine-related cancers.
Considerations
Most tumors in the thyroid do not cause symptoms at all, the American Thyroid Association explains. If symptoms do develop, the American Society of Clinical Oncology states that many other medical conditions may be the cause of symptoms. Therefore, seeking medical advice as soon as symptoms are noticed is essential to determine the cause and begin appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Immediate intervention is also important, as some tumors may grow rapidly, the American Cancer Society states.
Causes
With thyroid cancer, the tumor develops due to the genetic mutation of cells in the thyroid. These cells, according to MayoClinic.com, multiply and grow, sometimes at a rapid rate. Because these cells do not die like normal cells, they become more numerous over time, resulting in the formation of a tumor, which may eventually cause symptoms. In most cases of thyroid cancer, the American Thyroid Association indicates that the cause remains unknown. Potential causes of thyroid cancer, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, include exposure to radiation, genetic factors, being older than 40 and a diet low in iodine. Women and Caucasians are at a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Symptoms
As a tumor grows in the thyroid, symptoms become more likely to develop. The most evident symptom, identified by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, consists of a visible lump appearing at the front of the neck near the Adam's apple. The American Thyroid Association identifies further symptoms, including development of pain in the neck, jaw or ear, problems swallowing if the tumor becomes big enough and shortness of breath if the tumor obstructs the windpipe. In some cases, the American Cancer Society indicates that the individual may develop hoarseness or changes in his voice that persist over time. Others symptoms, as indicated by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, include swollen lymph nodes and a persistent cough, not caused by a cold.
Advanced Symptoms
As a tumor continues to grow, the American Society of Clinical Oncology indicates that symptoms remain consistent with ones that emerged early on. If the tumor is caused by thyroid cancer, the spread of cancer may progress into the skeleton, causing bone pain. Additionally, as the tumor grows over time, MayoClinic.com states that hoarseness may become worse as well. A larger tumor may continue to obstruct the windpipe, causing additional breathing problems and press against the voice box, resulting in worsening voice changes.
Treatment
Symptoms are likely the first indication that an individual has a thyroid tumor. It is important to seek medical care as soon as symptoms become noticed. In order to determine prognosis and plan treatment, a doctor will assess how far along the disease has progressed, according to the National Cancer Institute. Treatment will also depend upon whether the tumor is cancerous, and if so, what type, the size of the tumor, age of the affected individual and how far the cancer may have spread. Treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute, may include surgery, thyroid hormone treatment, radioactive radiation therapy, external radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
