Researchers Seek Clear Answers about Thyroid Cancer in Young People

Bucking the overarching trend of declining cancer rates, thyroid cancer has seen a sharp and mysterious resurgence over the last decade. Particularly troubling has been the disproportionately high rates of thyroid cancer seen among young adults, adolescents, and even children.

The scientific community is deeply divided over the origins of this disturbing trend. Although some researchers have connected it to the larger spike in overall thyroid cancer rates, others contend that there may unique strains of thyroid cancer to which younger people, for a variety of reasons, may be especially vulnerable.

One groundbreaking study conducted by Italian researchers seems to support this argument. The study found that younger people with thyroid cancer seem more prone to metastasis of the disease, meaning that the cancer often spreads throughout the body before a definitive diagnosis is made, making the possibility of recovery and survival less likely.

While the origins of highly aggressive thyroid cancer among young people remain controversial, research into this problem has been a major focus of worldwide thyroid cancer study in recent years. This week, we’ll survey some of the most significant recent findings that have emerged as scientists struggle to solve the thyroid cancer mystery.

Genetic Mutations Not Likely Cause of Aggressive Thyroid Cancer in Young

As scientists around the world have focused their efforts on investigating the factors that cause aggressive, fast-spreading, and difficult-to-diagnose cases of thyroid cancer among young adults and adolescents, some progress has been made by eliminating a number of possibilities.

A research team at the Department of Pediatrics of the University of the Health Sciences, in Bethesda, Maryland considered the possibility that certain genetic mutations may play a role in aggravating thyroid cancers in young patients. Specifically, the team focused on isolating and identifying specific mutations, such as a genetic quirk that has been linked to other types of aggressive, early-developing cancers, including breast cancer.

However, according to the team’s findings, the BRAF mutation does not appear to play a central role in papillary thyroid cancers among younger patients. Although the researchers suggest that other genetic factors may indeed play a role in the origin and progression of thyroid cancers in young people, this type of problem appears to have been statistically eliminated as a possible cause.

New Inroads in Early Detection of Thyroid Cancer Crucial to Positive Prognoses for Young Patients

Because papillary thyroid cancer tends to spread quickly without many clear symptoms in young people, researchers have exerted a great deal of effort trying to develop more effective methods of detecting the disease in its earliest stages.

In general, cases of papillary thyroid cancer progress at a different rate in younger patients than they do in their older counterparts. As such, researchers have focused on developing early detection strategies that could help yield a positive diagnosis as early as possible.

The study, published in a recent volume of the journal Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, classified the growth rates of several types of thyroid cancer among younger patients. The authors also found that the patient’s age at the time of diagnosis, rather than the size of the tumor, correlated most strongly with positive treatment outcome.

Surgical Procedure Can Prevent Thyroid Cancer in At-Risk Children and Adolescents

Medullary thyroid cancer can be deadly when undiagnosed in children and adolescents. Although this type of cancer is rare in the general population, individuals with one of several genetic mutations are at very high risk of developing the disease.

In a study conducted by researchers at Duke University, it was found that a preemptive surgical procedure may be the best way to prevent medullary thyroid cancer in children who possess this rare genetic mutation. Of the children who submitted to the surgery, virtually all remained cancer-free for a period of five years after the removal of their thyroid glands.

Although this option may appear severe, the researchers reiterated their opinion that preemptive surgical removal of the thyroid gland remains the best option for children who possess the genetic mutation.

If you’re concerned about the risk of thyroid cancer and treatment options for younger patients, talk to a pediatric cancer specialist for a comprehensive discussion of the alternatives. Be sure to check back here each week for more of the thyroid health news you need.

Late Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Linked to Insurance in the U.S.

A study conducted by the American Cancer Society found that uninsured, those covered by Medicaid, and black individuals are more likely than not to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the later stages of the disease. The study went on to detail that those covered by private insurance, on the other hand, are more likely to have their thyroid cancer diagnosed in the early stages, which greatly increases the chance of full recovery.

Uninsured patients are more likely to be diagnosed in Stage 3 or Stage 4 of their cancer, while patients with private insurance were more likely to be diagnosed in Stage 1. The study's authors concluded that patients without private insurance are not receiving optimum care and these patients' cancer screening and timely diagnosis is affected. The study also stated, however, that there was a strong possibility that late diagnosis of thyroid cancer could be a result of cultural problems or patient education.

What Should Patients Without Private Insurance Do to Test for Thyroid Cancer?

Sometimes mobile screening centers are likely to visit communities and offer free screening tests. Many local health departments may do the same and offer free screening on-site or at the clinic.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control also offers screening that reimburses participating health departments. Contact your state or local health department for more information on cancer screening programs.

Common Thyroid Cancer Screening Tests

Common screening tests for thyroid cancer often include neck palpation and examination by an experienced thyroid cancer surgeon. The accuracy of neck palpation as a screening test varies according to the surgeon's experience and skill in addition to the size of the mass, if one exists.

The American Cancer Society recommends screening for thyroid cancer by examination of the neck; palpation every 3 years in people that are between the ages of 21-40 years old and annually in people who are more than 40 years old.

An ultrasound to detect nodules may be ordered by the attending physician if there is reason to suspect a thyroid mass.

Benefits of Early Detection

The benefits of early detection can not be understated. Early detection of thyroid cancer has a profound impact on the patient's prognosis. Many studies have found a significantly higher survival rate as well an increased chance of full recovery in patients whose cancer was detected early by screening.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you have any questions or concerns about thyroid cancer, it is highly recommended that you speak to a professional. And check back here for more thyroid cancer news.

Is it My Thyroid Gland?

The tiny thyroid gland plays a major role in regulating everything from our energy levels to our memory. If you’re a woman over the age of 30 and you’ve been experiencing unusual symptoms that you just can’t explain, the chances are good that your thyroid gland may be playing some part in the problem.

The small, butterfly-shaped thyroid gland may measure a miniscule two inches in diameter, but even minor fluctuations in its function can cause a staggeringly wide array of health problems.

What is the function of the Thyroid Gland?

The primary function of the thyroid gland is the production and distribution of the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Even slight variances in the amount of these thyroid hormones can produce problems in virtually all of the major organ groups and body systems.

What are the Thyroid Disorders?

The two major types of thyroid disorders are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by a lack of adequate thyroid hormones in the body, and it causes a system-wide slowdown that can leave you sluggish, exhausted, depressed, and overweight.

Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, comes about when the thyroid is thrown into overdrive and produces an excess of the thyroid hormones. This surplus speeds up many aspects of the body’s normal functions, resulting in anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and rapid weight loss.

Who is at Risk?

Women are at the greatest risk of developing hypothyroidism. Although the disorder is relatively rare among women in their twenties, it is not entirely unheard, so don’t rule hypothyroidism out if you are a young woman who has been experiencing prolonged fatigue and exhaustion for no apparent reason.

However, while hypothyroidism remains a relatively rare occurrence among younger women, it is very common among their older counterparts. It is believed that over ten percent of all women over the age of 60 have some level of underactivity in their thyroid function and thyroid hormone production. Many of these cases go undiagnosed, perhaps in part due to the fact that many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism mirror common signs of aging and menopause.

Low Thyroid Function (Hypothyroidism) and its Symptoms

If you just aren’t feeling like your energetic old self these days, you might have hypothyroidism, the disorder that results from an underactive thyroid gland and a lack of adequate levels of thyroid hormone. Every patient with hypothyroidism experiences symptoms differently, but in general, the disorder tends to manifest itself in lethargy, fatigue, weight gain, and feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

In addition to lethargy, depression, and weight gain, other common symptoms that may indicate low thyroid function include dry skin and hair, intolerance for cold temperatures, and menstrual abnormalities. Mood swings, memory loss, swallowing difficulties, swelling in the neck area, and voice hoarseness may also indicate a problem stemming from low thyroid function.

High Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) and its Symptoms

Though it is far less common than hypothyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland – also known as hyperthyroidism – may also cause a number of strange and troubling symptoms. The good news is that hyperthyroidism is generally much easier to diagnose than is hypothyroidism, due to the fact that the striking symptoms associated with the disorder are very unique and are often grouped together in ways that are obvious to experienced physicians.

With a surplus of thyroid hormone in the body, hyperthyroidism speeds up many of the body’s normal functions. Heart palpitations and rapid heartbeats are a common sign of the disorder. Patients might experience a sudden intolerance for heat, even when others don’t feel hot at all.

Common Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Disruptions in appetite and normal eating habits are common in hyperthyroidism, as is rapid weight loss without any significant reduction in calorie intake. Irritability and emotional volatility are also common signs, and patients with the disorder are often known to “fly off the handle” with little or no provocation.

Vision problems are another common symptom of hyperthyroidism. Patients with the disorder often develop a characteristic look of bulging eyes and an unblinking, fixed gaze that is sometimes referred to by doctors as the “thyroid stare.” Menstrual irregularities and infertility are also common, and patients with hyperthyroidism also often complain of muscle weakness, spasms, and cramps.

Talk to a Doctor

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you should talk to a doctor who has experience in diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders and request a full evaluation. The good news is that a return to full health is often possible as long as you stick closely to your prescribed regimen of medication. Be sure to check back here each week for more thyroid news and information!

Newborn Baby’s Health Affected by Mom’s Thyroid Disorder

As recent as only a few short decades ago, questions emerged as to the relationship between developmental issues in babies and the thyroid disorder hypothyroidism. Researchers in Sweden recently conducted a study that focused on pregnant women with hypothyroidism and the possible effect on their unborn fetus.

According to the findings, the general results show that babies may be born with the thyroid disorder hypothyroidism when the mother is deficient in thyroid hormone. The results of the study are important because the team concluded that treatment for the mother’s thyroid hormone deficiencies within the early stages of pregnancy, before the developing fetus can produce its own supply of thyroid hormone, can limit or even prevent any mental or loco motor impairment that the baby may develop as a result of thyroid hormone deficiency.

Thyroid deficiency – hypothyroidism – effect on the fetus

During the first few months of pregnancy, the fetus relies on the mother for production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone plays an important part in the development of normal brain function. According to findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine, babies born to mothers with hypothyroidism during pregnancy had lowered IQ results.

Researchers stress the importance of thyroid tests for pregnant women.

As many as twenty-seven million Americans suffer from undiagnosed thyroid disorders. And nearly half of every fifty women who become pregnant in the U.S. may suffer from the thyroid disorder hypothyroidism. Researchers, therefore, stress the importance of a thyroid test for women who may be considering pregnancy or who are already pregnant.

Thyroid hormone test

The test for thyroid hormone deficiency is an easy and inexpensive blood test. The blood test is conducted in a hospital, doctor’s office or lab where technicians are trained to take blood. Only a small amount of blood is needed and the test is quick to administer. The blood test measures thyroid hormone T4 and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

The test can help identify - and then treat health problems that could endanger both the mother and the baby. Some blood tests are administered routinely for all pregnancies, and others are done if the pregnancy is considered high-risk.

Talk to your doctor

If you think that you may be pregnant or are considering pregnancy, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor for a personalized assessment. Check back here for more thyroid health issues and news.

Thyroid Cancer and Obesity

Obesity has long been linked to various health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. But only recently have studies shown a correlation between obesity and cancer. According to scientists’ estimates, deaths from obesity in the United States outnumbered those that were related to smoking.

The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Cancer Institute released a study that showed a link between obesity and many serious cancers such as throat, colon, rectum, kidney and breast.

Other studies have shown similar links between obesity and cancer. The doctors at the University of Manchester in northwestern England found that among men, every gain of five points in BMI – the body mass index – raised the risk of thyroid cancer by an astounding 33%.

These findings support the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of rest.

Types of Thyroid Cancer:

There are several types of thyroid cancer.

• Papillary carcinoma is among the most common and usually affects young women who are within their childbearing years.
• Follicular carcinoma represents nearly 30% of all thyroid cancer cases and has a greater rate of recurrence and metastasis.
• Medullary carcinoma is a cancer of non-thyroid cells in the thyroid gland and tends to occur within families who are genetically predisposed to this type of cancer.
• Anaplastic carcinoma is the most malignant type of thyroid cancer. It is a very aggressive cancer and metastasizes quickly to nearby structures. Although rare, it does respond to radio active iodone therapy.

Consult a health care professional

If you have any concerns about your thyroid or cancer, it is highly recommended that you consult a health care professional. Thyroid cancer is best addressed with a comprehensive treatment plan.