Let me discuss some information related to THYROID CANCER, as many people developed symptoms when the disease is in advanced stage.

First, we have to know that what is  Thyroid Gland?

Well it is a butterfly shaped small organ located in front of the neck, covers around the trachea. It is a endocrine gland  which secrets some vital hormones like thyroxine, triiodothyronine, TSH, calcitonin etc. They plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and development of the human body.

What is the cause of Thyroid Cancer?

It occurs when cells in the thyroid undergo genetic changes or mutation. The mutation allow the cells to grow and multiply rapidly. Then the accumulating cells form a tumor. The abnormal cells can invade surrounding tissue and can spread to other parts of the body, which is called metastasis.

What are the types?

Mainly there are 4 types as follows—

1)      Papillary Type- It is most common and it mainly affects people of ages 30—40yrs.

2)      Follicular Type- Usually affects people older than 50yrs.

3)      Anaplastic Type- It is a rare type which grows rapidly and very difficult to treat. Usually affects after 60yrs.

4)      Medullary Type- Appears from C cells of thyroid gland which produce calcitonin. Thus elevated level of calcitonin in blood may be alarming.

5)      Other Rare Types- Thyroid Lymphoma, Thyroid Sarcoma etc, but these are very rare.

How a thyroid cancer will be diagnose?

Doctor will first check the thyroid gland physically by palpation, this will give an idea that the gland has been increased or not. Then blood tests like TSH,T3, T4 level, calcitonin level will give the idea about any abnormal functioning of the gland.  Imaging  procedures like CT Scan, MRI will give complete internal image of the gland and neck. PET CT scans allows to study increased metabolic activities in the body from which  a doctor can know if  metastasis starts or not. The final or most confirmatory test is biopsy/FNAC. This will confirms the presence of malignant cells.

Awareness Regarding Thyroid Cancer

 It seeks to raise awareness regarding this disease, causes, symptoms, treatment and possible prevention, as in early stage, thyroid cancer is asymptomatic in many people.

If the Thyroid Gland doesn’t function properly people may develop several diseases like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, goiter and Grave’s disease.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism includes chronic constipation, sudden weight gain, fatigue, hoarseness of voice, irregular menstruation, depression, swollen face, thin hair etc.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism includes  insomnia, weight loss, enlarged thyroid gland, anxiety, irregular menstruation etc.

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer may include any of the above symptoms along with hoarseness of voice, pain in throat and neck, swelling in neck, a lump that can be felt in neck  etc. But in most of the cases, thyroid cancer is asymptomatic, it shows symptoms along with disease progression. Pain is the symptom of advanced stage.

If any of the above mentioned symptoms start,  it is advisable to consult a physician. However there is a self checking procedure to understand any abnormality of thyroid gland. Standing in a front of mirror with tilting back the head one have to take a sip of water and observe the area below Adam’s apple to see and swelling or bulging, if there is bulging, enlarged gland or any nodules it is advisable to consult physician immediately.

Periodical blood tests like TSH, calcitonin level, iodine level etc is very important after 30yrs of age. Generally we do tests when we start facing complications or abnormalities, but if we check these levels at 6 months interval, then we can easily aware of the disease and take necessary action.

To keep thyroid healthy there are some procedures-

Thyroid requires iodine for producing its hormones, so use of iodized salt will compensate any iodine deficiency. Avoid any types of fast food, fried food etc. Consume a wide variety of nuts. Antioxidants are very necessary to overcome the oxidative stress of thyroid, for this consume wide variety of berries like raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, gooseberry etc. Daily consuming of green leafy vegetables, fruits  will help thyroid gland to work properly. Adequate sleep is also necessary to keep thyroid healthy.

How can Ayurveda help?

The Ayurvedic treatments will boost the immune system and normalize the body channel that control healthy metabolism. There are many herbs which can be used in case of proper functioning of thyroid like Shilajit, Shankhapushpi, Trikatu, Jatamanshi, Gulancha etc. Medicines like Yograjguggulu, Kanchnaarguggulu, Trifaladyaguggulu can be usefull in case of thyroid cancer as they have a role in tumor. After examining patient, doctor will decide the proper medicine. Therapy like Panchakarma is also usefull in case of thyroid abnormality. Apart from this, regular pranayam, exercises, healthy diet is necessary to maintain a disease free life.