Thyroid Cancer
The thyroid is an endocrine gland located at the base of the neck that looks very similar to a butterfly. Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating some of the essential activities of the human body, including metabolism, body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure.
A medical team that will help you beat all odds
When the neoplasm is detected and treated early, life expectancy has very encouraging percentages over certain types of thyroid cancer. Our oncology specialists have the ethical commitment to achieve the ideal solutions to ensure your recovery.
Women are 3 times more likely to suffer from thyroid cancer than men.
Statistics indicate that 1 in 5 patients with thyroid cancer have a history of hypothyroidism.
Diagnosis and Staging
We offer timely diagnoses supported by the most reliable screening tests: thyroid function blood test (TSH), biopsies, physical exams and more.
Welfare
During each stage of the process, you will have physical and mental support thanks to the intervention of psychologists and nutritionists dedicated to oncology patients.
The Specialist
A team of highly experienced oncologists meets to evaluate each case individually and provide a comprehensive approach tailored to the patient's needs.
What is thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a disease caused by the multiplication and invasion of abnormal cells in the tissues of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is made up of two lobes (right and left) which are joined in the center by an isthmus.
Although the causes of thyroid cancer are not yet defined, it is believed that hereditary, environmental and physical factors are involved in its appearance; within the latter, we can mention overweight and obesity.
Types of thyroid cancer
The thyroid gland is dominated by 2 very specific cell types: Follicular cells (responsible for the production of thyroid hormones) and C cells (responsible for producing calcitonin).
Each of these cells has the capacity to generate both benign and malignant tumors; therefore, the patient's endocrine neoplasia must be accurately determined in order to find the most appropriate treatment method.
Among the main types of thyroid cancer are:
Differentiated cancers
Most cases of thyroid gland cancer correspond to this type; being the proliferation of follicular cells the trigger of the disease. Differentiated thyroid cancers have their own division, being able to mention:
Papillary thyroid cancer
Also known as papillary carcinoma or papillary adenocarcinoma, it is the most frequently diagnosed differentiated thyroid cancer. They are slow-growing cancers, but they can also spread to the lymph nodes; however, with the right treatment, the medium and long-term results are usually excellent.
Follicular thyroid cancer
Unlike papillary cancer, adenocarcinoma or follicular thyroid carcinoma does not spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. In advanced stages, this disease seeks to spread to more remote places such as the bones and lungs; and although this may not seem encouraging, we should mention that the chances of survival in these cases are quite favorable.
Hurthle cell cancer
This tumor represents only 3% of all thyroid cancers, so it is considered one of the least frequent types. However, it is a very aggressive cancer, with rapid dissemination and a changing behavior in the face of different oncological treatments, which makes medical work more complex.
Spinal cancer
It is a cancer that begins in the C cells and can spread to the lymph nodes as well as the liver and lungs; detection and treatment can be difficult. Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) has 2 subtypes: Sporadic MTC (non-hereditary) and Familial MTC (hereditary).
Anaplastic thyroid cancer
Of all thyroid cancers, this is undoubtedly the most aggressive; its great power of invasion surpasses the reach of most medical treatments. Women over 60 years of age are the most likely to suffer from it.
Contact us at
Schedule an appointment
Request a consultation
Symptoms of thyroid cancer
The early stages of the disease may pass without any obvious symptoms; but as the disease continues to progress, the patient may begin to notice the following:
Thyroid nodule perceptible to the touch.
Sensation of pressure or suffocation in the structures of the neck.
Changes in the tone of voice (thicker, hoarse or rougher diction).
Difficulty swallowing food.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck.
Constant pain and discomfort in the neck and throat.
Risk Factors
Patients with thyroid cancer, regardless of type, share one or more of these risk factors:
Gender: Although the reasons are medically unknown, worldwide statistics show that thyroid cancer occurs 3 times more often in women than in men.
Inheriting an abnormal gene or other genetic syndrome from a first-degree relative.
Lack or excess of iodine in the body.
Radiation exposure: Previous radiation treatments to areas such as the neck and head increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer in the future.
Overweight or obese: Multiple studies indicate that people with higher body mass index are more vulnerable to the disease.
Non-surgical medical alternatives
Active surveillance: Some patients with small cancers may remain with the disease for a long time without it growing or spreading; in these cases, the oncologist may suggest periodic check-ups during the year to closely monitor any changes.
Hormone therapy: This treatment consists of replacing or supplementing the hormones that are produced within the thyroid; its intention is to balance the hormonal activity after surgery, or failing that, to stop the excessive production of TSH.
Radioactive iodine: The controlled intake of radioactive iodine allows the destruction of cancer cells when they directly absorb the substance. This option is more frequent and effective for the treatment of differentiated cancers.
Alcohol ablation: Using ultrasound guidance, the tumor is located and an alcohol solution is injected to shrink the cancer cells. Alcohol ablation is mainly used for small tumors in the thyroid or lymph nodes.
Selective drugs: In selective therapy, drugs are given to block some of the chemicals vital to cancer cells.
Radiation therapy: During radiation therapy, the patient is subjected to high-powered X-rays directly on the neck to eliminate malignant cells.
Chemotherapy: This option involves the administration of specific chemicals that travel through the bloodstream to eradicate all traces of malignant cells.
Thermal tumor ablation: The transmission of extreme heat and cold has proven to be very useful in causing cell death, especially when thyroid cancer has spread to other organs such as the lungs and liver.
Palliative care: This type of complementary medical care focuses on improving the quality of life of the oncology patient with aggressive cancer.
Surgical methods
Surgery: Through surgery it is possible to partially or totally remove the thyroid nodules. Among the most common interventions are: Thyroidectomy (total removal of thyroid tissue), thyroid lobectomy (removal of half of the gland) and lymph node dissection.
Thyroid cancer prevention
Of all the known risk factors, only 2 of them can be modified. The following are our recommendations in this regard:
Maintain a controlled iodine intake: Iodine is closely related to thyroid cancer. An excess of this element can be as detrimental to health as a deficiency.
Protect your thyroid from ionizing radiation: If you need to receive radiation therapy as treatment for another disease or must undergo radiological tests, ask your doctor what measures you can take to protect your thyroid gland from these effects.
