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Thyroid cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the thyroid gland.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the throat near the trachea. This organÌýproduces hormones that help regulate metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Signs & Symptoms

• A lump in the neck
• Swelling in the neck
• Hoarseness
• Trouble swallowing
• Difficulty in breathing

Risk Factors

• Gender and age –Thyroid cancer can occur at any age, but the risk peaks earlier for women (most often in their 40s or 50s ) than for men (usually in their 60s or 70s)
• Radiation –ÌýRadiation exposure is a proven risk factor for thyroid cancer
• Obesity –ÌýAccording to the International Agency for Research on Cancer,Ìý people who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer

Screening

• Physical exam andÌýhealth historyÌý– an exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of lumps or swelling in the neck,Ìývoice box, andÌýlymph nodes
• LaryngoscopyÌý– a procedure in which the doctor checks theÌýlarynxÌýwith a mirror or aÌýlaryngoscopeÌýto see if the vocal cords are moving normally
• Blood hormone studiesÌý– a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain hormones released into the blood
• UltrasoundÌý±ð³æ²¹³¾Ìý– this procedure can show the size of a thyroid nodule and whether it is a solid or a fluid-filledÌýcyst
• CT-ScanÌý–Ìý procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, such as the neck, taken from different angles

Prevention

• ÌýMaintain a healthy lifestyleÌý– focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Regular exercise and weight management can also be beneficial.
• ÌýProtect yourself from radiationÌý-exposure to ionizing radiation increases the risk of thyroid cancer. Take precautions to limit your exposure to unnecessary radiation
• Quit smokingÌý–Ìý smoking is associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer

If you have a family history of thyroid cancer or areÌýexperiencing any signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer,Ìýconsult a doctor via Maxicare’sÌý24/7 Teleconsult Hotline,ÌýVideoconsult services powered by theÌýDoctor Anywhere App, orÌýMaxicare Primary Care ClinicÌý(PCC). You may also go to a PCC or requestÌýHomeCareÌýfor lab tests and diagnostic procedures.

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