Thyroid cancer is growing more prevalent, yet physicians are unsure as to its exact cause. Radiation may play a role in the cancerous attack upon this important gland.
Nodules
The American Thyroid Association says a thyroid nodule is an abnormal growth of cells that form into a lump within the thyroid. The majority of these lumps are non-cancerous (benign) but approximately 5 percent do become cancerous (malignant).
Risk Groups
Males are most likely to develop thyroid cancer. Other people at higher risk are those under 30 or over 60 years of age, people with a family history of thyroid or endocrine cancer, and those who have received head or neck radiation, according to the American Thyroid Association.
Causes
Officials at the Mayo Clinic say it is not known specifically what causes thyroid cancers. But those who have been exposed to radiation, especially as children, are prone to the disease. Naturalists hypothesize that environmental factors such as chemicals and pesticides may contribute to the cancer.
Types
Papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic, and thyroid lymphoma are the most common forms of thyroid cancer, with papillary being by far the most prevalent. It comprises nearly 80 percent of all cases.
Symptoms
Signs of thyroid cancer usually do not appear early in the disease but present themselves when it has progressed significantly. Symptoms include a noticeable lump felt by fingers above the thyroid, changes to the voice and hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, neck pain and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Tags: American Thyroid, American Thyroid Association, those have, Thyroid Association, thyroid cancer
