Thyroid cancer

THYROID CANCER

The thyroid is a gland located in the central region of the neck. Its function is to produce hormones that control metabolism and affect heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, mental function, bowel function, among others.

Thyroid diseases are related to a decrease in its function (hypothyroidism), an increase (hyperthyroidism), or the appearance of nodules. The latter are benign in about 90% of cases. Diseases affecting this gland are very common and primarily affect women over 45 years old, although they can occur at any age and in both sexes.

The symptoms commonly associated with thyroid dysfunction are fatigue, weight changes, anxiety, heat intolerance, and palpitations. When it comes to the presence of nodules, most of the time they are asymptomatic, and their discovery is accidental, during a routine ultrasound.

The treatment for thyroid cancer is primarily surgical, which may involve removing half or the entire gland. Depending on the size and characteristics of the nodule, it may be possible to operate without leaving scars on the skin. There may also be a need for other treatments, such as radioactive iodine or more extensive surgery in the neck, which will always be decided in the context of the aggressiveness of the disease.