Thyroid Cancer in Situ Prognosis
Thyroid cancer in situ is a cancer that originates in the thyroid gland. "In situ" is a Latin phrase meaning "in the place of origin" and refers to thyroid cancer that has not spread to adjacent tissue or other parts of the body. Only about one in 20 thyroid tumors are cancerous. Thyroid cancer is the least deadly cancer; the five-year survival rate is 97 percent. It is more common in women, usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 55 and can run in families. People who have had neck radiation for other diseases are more susceptible.
Structure and Function
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that sits behind the Adam's apple in the front part of the neck. Most people cannot see or feel this organ. The thyroid contains four kinds of cells:
1. Follicular cells, which use iodine to make hormones that regulate the metabolism
2. C-cells, which create hormones to regulate calcium levels
3. Lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system
4. Stomal cells, which have other supportive functions.
Cancers that start in the follicular cells are more treatable and less deadly than those that start in the C-cells.
Most Common
Most thyroid cancers (about eight in 10) are papillary carcinoma, which arises in the follicular cells. This slow-growing cancer is treatable and rarely fatal, even if it spreads to nearby lymph nodes. Three rare subtypes of papillary carcinoma -- columnar, tall cell and diffuse sclerosis -- grow more quickly.
Rare Cancers
About one in 10 thyroid cancers are called follicular carcinoma, which also arises in the follicular cells. This type may metastasize to distant organs. It is more common in countries where people don't get enough iodine in their diets. Medullary thyroid carcinoma, which arises from the C-cells, represents only one in 20 cases and is more difficult to treat. Anaplastic carcinoma is a rare (one in 50 cases) and difficult cancer. Thyroid lymphomas and sarcomas are even less common, and more deadly still.
Symptoms
A lump or swelling in the neck; pain in the front of the neck, up to the ears; hoarseness or voice changes; trouble swallowing; chronic coughing; constricted feeling when breathing
Possible Tests
Needle biopsy of a discovered tumor; Ultrasound, CAT scan, PET scan, MRI; Nuclear testing with radioactive iodine; blood tests for thyroid function
Possible Treatments
Surgery to remove tumor and affected lymph nodes; Radioactive iodine therapy to destroy thyroid cells, including cancer cells; Thyroid hormone therapy, to regulate metabolism and slow tumor growth; External beam radiation, to shrink tumor; Chemotherapy (used rarely)
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