Thyroid Tumor

WHAT IS A THYROID TUMOR?

The thyroid gland, one of the hormone-producing organs, is situated at the front of the neck, directly in front of the windpipe. Thyroid regulates all body functions. Any abnormal growth in this gland whether cancerous or benign is referred to as a thyroid tumor. These growths may be cystic or solid. Cancerous thyroid nodules can spread to other parts of the body and are life threatening. Early symptoms of both types are the same.

AFFECTS

Both sexes and all ages. Benign nodules are more common in women than men and malignant ones are more likely in children between ages 4 and 7.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  • Swelling or lump in the thyroid gland.
  • Pain and tenderness in the thyroid gland.
  • Difficulty in swallowing.
  • Hoarseness of voice.
  • Breathing difficulty (rare).
  • Symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism depending on the whether the tumor is secreting hormone or not.

CAUSES

Unknown.

RISK INCREASES WITH

Radiation treatment during childhood - even in small doses - to the head, neck and upper chest.

HOW TO PREVENT

Avoid radiation treatments to the neck for acne, tonsillitis, enlarged thymus gland or other minor conditions.

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

  • Visible swelling.
  • History and physical exam by a doctor.
  • Laboratory tests, such as Ultrasonography, CAT scan and blood studies of thyroid function.
  • Biopsy, if needed.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

  • Spread of a malignant tumor to other parts of the body, requiring radical surgery to remove lymph nodes and muscles of one side of the neck.
  • Hypothyroidism or hypoparathyroidism caused by inadvertent injury to the thyroid or parathyroid glands during surgery.
  • Permanent hoarseness and loss of voice following nerve injury during surgery.

PROBABLE OUTCOME

Usually curable with surgery or a combination of surgery and radioactive-iodine treatment. Surgery may be required to aspirate a cystic tumor or to remove a solid tumor and the affected lobe of the thyroid.

TREATMENT

GENERAL

  • After thyroid surgery, when rising from a lying to a sitting position, place a pillow under the head and support it with hands to prevent neck-muscle strain.
  • Speech therapy, if the voice is affected after surgery.
  • If voice is lost, special equipment is available to assist with speech.

SPECIFIC

Your doctor may prescribe:

  • Antithyroid medications OR replacement thyroid hormone.
  • Radioactive iodine to treat cancer (I-131).
  • Pain relievers.

ACTIVITY

Resume your normal activities as soon as symptoms improve after surgery.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR, IF

  • You have thyroid enlargement or thyroid nodules.
  • The following occurs after surgery:
    • Symptoms of hypothyroidism (fatigue, puffy face, rapid weight gain, coarse hair and decreased sex drive).
    • Bleeding, pain or swelling at the surgical site.
    • Fever.
    • Twitching muscles.
    • Breathing difficulty.
  • New, unexplained symptoms develop.
  • Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.