Laparoscopic Surgeon in Bangalore | Dr. Manas Tripathy.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most thyroid problems are due to low awareness. Since January is Thyroid Awareness Month, why not delve deeper into thyroid in this blog today? We will see what the thyroid is and what its function is. Also, cover its signs and screening. If you have any concerns or questions regarding thyroid, feel free to contact us.
What Is Thyroid and Its Function?
Simply put, the thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the lower part of the neck. If we talk about the thyroid function, its primary function is to make thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are secreted into the blood and then throughout our body. The thyroid is also considered the most important endocrine organ of the body, as it helps control our body’s metabolism, increasing our heart rate and affecting how fast things like food, bone loss, and sugar move through the body.
Few Early warning signs of thyroid disease
Although there is no specific sign or symptom of thyroid disease, there can still be some symptoms of overactive thyroid and underactive thyroid, which are given below.
Symptoms of overactive thyroid –
- Anxiety or stress.
- Nervousness.
- Increased appetite.
- Rapid loss of weight.
- Muscle weakness.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Excessive heat/ sweating.
Symptoms of underactive thyroid –
- Rapid weight gain
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Depression.
- Hair loss Constipation.
- Cold intolerance.
How can thyroid cancer be diagnosed?
There are many ways to diagnose thyroid cancer, which involves several steps. Our doctors have expertise in its diagnosis and treatment. That’s why you can contact us.
The first step in diagnosing thyroid cancer is finding the lump or swelling. Next, the doctor examines your neck and throat and your medical history. Finally, the doctor may suggest one or more of the following tests determine whether cancer has spread throughout the body.
- Ultrasound.
- Thyroid scan.
- Biopsy.
- CT, MRI, or PET scan.
- Blood test to check hormone levels.
How can thyroid cancer be treated?
Thyroid cancer treatment largely depends on the type of cancer. Surgery may be required to treat all thyroid cancers except in a few rare cases. Below are some of the treatment options for thyroid cancer:-
- Minimally invasive surgery
Minimally invasive surgery removes part or all of the thyroid gland. During surgery, if nearby lymph nodes are visible, they are also removed. This surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and sometimes may require an overnight hospital stay. Our surgeons can make incisions as small as two centimeters using minimally invasive techniques.
- Radioactive iodine therapy
Thyroid tissue can be destroyed using this therapy. Radioactive iodine is a drug given orally that only works to destroy thyroid tissue without affecting other parts of the body. This treatment is specifically designed to destroy only microscopic bits of thyroid cancer and thyroid tissue.
- Thyroid hormone therapy
Thyroid hormone therapy helps block other hormones that promote cancer tumor growth. The thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) is mainly used for this. For your information, our therapists also use thyroid hormone replacement after a total thyroidectomy to replace the hormones your thyroid is making. These hormones regulate body processes that help you stay healthy.
- External radiation therapy
Through this therapy, radiation rays are directed at the tumor from a source so that the tumor can be destroyed. This treatment is often used uncommonly to treat thyroid cancer.
How can thyroid cancer be prevented?
Early detection and treatment of thyroid cancer can ensure the best outcome. Have regular screening physical exams. Patients between the ages of 20 and 39 should get their thyroid checked every three years, and those over 40 should get their thyroid checked yearly. If you have a family history of thyroid cancer, get yourself screened regularly.
Feel free to contact us for the best diagnosis and treatment. Our specialists suggest you for your betterment.
