Self-Test for Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is an uncommon type of cancer and it affects more women than men. This type of cancer is caused by an abnormal growth of the cells in the thyroid gland and it can be genetic or caused by exposure to a lot of radiation.
If detected on time, thyroid cancer can be successfully treated. That is why you have to be very careful to notice any symptom and do self-tests regularly.
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Infor about the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck. The thyroid gland plays an important role as it makes the hormones in your body work normally and regulate the way in which your organism uses energy, and the way it grows and develops. The thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones also regulate the heart and digestive function, brain development, muscle control and bone maintenance.
Things to Know about Thyroid Cancer
Although thyroid cancer can be a life-threatening disease, it is usually easy to treat if detected early on, being the least lethal types of cancer.
There are four main types of thyroid cancer:
- Medullary thyroid cancer: approx. 3% incidence
- Mixed follicular/papillary and/or papillary thyroid cancer: approx. 80% incidence
- Hurthle cell and/or follicular thyroid cancer: approx. 15% incidence
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer: approx. 2% incidence
Thanks to modern medical equipment and technological advances, early diagnosis of thyroid cancer is much easier for clinicians.
Thyroid Cancer – Symptoms
To be able to detect thyroid cancer in its early stage, you have to know the symptoms of this disease.
- Coughing not due to sickness, smoking or other causes;
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing;
- Soreness in the neck (sometimes radiating up to the ears);
- Hoarse voice;
- Lumps in the neck (sometimes painful).
Self Check For Thyroid Cancer
You don’t have to rely on your doctor and modern technology to detect cancer. You can do it by yourself, at home, with a mirror and a cup of water. This way, you will be able to detect any unusual growths on your thyroid.
The thyroid is located above the collarbone, just below the larynx (at about the bottom one-third of the throat). Stand in front of a mirror that will help you have a good view of your throat. Take a sip of water and tilt your head back as you swallow. Keep your eyes on the mirror to see the thyroid area. You might need to do this several times as it is quite difficult to look at your neck while you swallow.
If you see any bulges near your thyroid gland or asymmetry between the two sides, you should have yourself checked by a specialist. An endocrinologist would be able to confirm whether or not you have thyroid cancer or another disorder of this gland.
If you notice one or more of the above symptoms, do this quick and simple home test that could save your life. Remember: thyroid cancer can be treated if it’s detected on time.
