THYROID TUMORS
Definition: Like all organs in our body, benign or bad (malignant) tumors can occur in the thyroid gland. Thyroid cancer usually originates from thyroid nodules and has a very good prognosis when treated. It is more common in women than men. The mean cancer risk in all thyroid nodules is 5%. Rarely, there are thyroid cancer types that can be seen during the course of some Familial Genetic Syndromes.
Types: Although there are very detailed classification schemes for thyroid cancers, the most common types of thyroid cancer in the community are as follows.
Papillary Thyroid Cancer (Most Common)(Well differentiated)
Follicular Thyroid Cancer (second most common type)(Well differentiated)
Medullary Thyroid Cancer (Can be familial) Form)
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (Least Common But Very Worse Prognosis)
Thyroid Gland Lymphoma
Metastasis of other cancers (Breast, Lung, etc.) to the thyroid.
Symptoms: Since thyroid cancers generally originate from thyroid nodules, they clinically present with typical thyroid nodule symptoms (You can check in the Thyroid Nodules Section). Unlike typical nodules, very rapidly growing nodules, nodules that cause hoarseness, and nodules that are extremely hard on examination are more likely to have malignancy than other nodules.
Diagnosis: In people with detected nodules in the Thyroid Gland, first of all, the nodule is examined ultrasonographically. Then, TIAB (Thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy) is performed from suspicious nodules. The definitive diagnosis is made by examining the biopsy samples by the pathologist. Since those who have a family history of thyroid cancer and those who have received radiotherapy treatment in the neck region have an extra risk for thyroid cancer, it is important to evaluate the thyroid nodules to be detected in these individuals with biopsy.
Treatment and Follow-up: People who have thyroid cancer or suspected cancer as a result of thyroid biopsy are sent to surgery without wasting time. The type of surgery to be performed (total or partial thyroidectomy) is decided according to the clinical data of the patient. According to the pathology report obtained after the surgery, the risk grading of the patients (low-medium-high) is made. After this grading, patients with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer in the medium-high risk group are given Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy and then a whole body screening test. Then, the patients are started on Thyroid Hormone therapy at the appropriate dose according to the risk groups. Patients who do not have any additional complaints after the treatments are evaluated with control examinations at an average of 6-12 months. During these examinations, Tumor Marker (Tyroglobulin, AntiTG, Calcitonin), Neck Usg, Thyroid Hormones are checked. In doubtful cases, further examinations (Whole body I131 Scan, PET CT, MRI, etc.) can be performed.
Thyroid Cancers, unlike other cancers, except anaplastic thyroid cancer, especially papillary and follicular thyroid cancers have a very good prognosis when appropriate treatment is given.
Significant Findings in terms of Malignancies in Thyroid Ultrasonography:
Hypoechoic (black colored) appearance of the nodule
Microcalcifications in the nodule
Irregular borders of the nodule
Absence of halo around the nodule
Increased blood supply in the nodule
Nodule Length>width
The presence of one or more of these findings on USG increases the possibility of the nodule being mlign, and Thyroid biopsy is recommended for nodules with these features.
