Risk Factors of Thyroid Cancer

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most sweeping form of thyroid cancer in the United States and statistics show that more than 80 percent of all thyroid cancers are this type. The disease is many times inherited, as first-degree relatives of PTC patients have a three to eight times higher chance of developing the disease. This extensive genetic element, however, has not led researchers to identify genetic factors that predispose people to the affliction. Researchers suggest that if a mutation within any of the genes were found, then perhaps the issue has to do with how the genes were being regulated, or turned off and on.

What are some of the risk factors for Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a medical condition of which the cause has yet to be determined, however some researchers have stated that there are known risk factors such as radiation exposure at a young age, smoking and drinking. The debate on this issue continues because several other researchers disagree with this theory and argue that smoking and drinking have not yet proven to be directly related to the disease. But, they also reveal that it is better to avoid them. And although there is no clear consensus as to whether smoking and drinking are linked as direct causes of thyroid gland malignancy, these researchers agree that it is better to give up smoking and drinking for general good health. Indeed, there may be no direct correlation between thyroid cancer and smoking/drinking, but there is a school of thought that believe these actions might possibly be risk factors for thyroid cancer, therefore if one is predisposed genetically to thyroid cancer, it is best to avoid smoking and drinking altogether.

What should I do if I notice a nodule in my neck?

People who notice unusual nodules in the neck should visit a doctor in a short time in order to find out if the nodules represents a malign or a benign tumor. Indeed, the doctor can examine the patient by a simple examination of the neck and also he can settle a proper diagnosis by performing certain laboratory tests which are intended to determine the function of the thyroid gland.

Are there any other risk factors for thyroid disease?

Accumulation of acids in your body due to insufficient digestion of food, food allergies and consumption of acid-forming substances can cause thyroid disorder. Acid-associated causes of thyroid disorder also include susceptibility to heavy metals and toxic chemicals in the water supply and in highly processed food. When the body's acid level increases to a high level, thyroid function will be depressed and metabolism will slow.

Insufficient levels of digestive enzymes, also caused by over-consumption of processed foods, can cause a thyroid disorder. The body's ability to neutralize acids is further reduced and as people age, the more toxins introduced into the human system, the higher the likelihood of developing a thyroid disorder.

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Therefore, it is surmised by researchers that to reduce the risk factors can result in a decreased chance of developing thyroid cancer.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment Options

Although thyroid cancer is a common cancer that cannot be prevented, it is a curable affection and can be treated by using an appropriate treatment. Treatments of thyroid cancer usually include surgeries, radioactive iodine and radiation therapy and depend on the stage and the type of cancers.

A common treatment method used in patients with papillary, follicular or medullary is radiation therapy, a procedure which is used if the patient has a risk of recurrence following surgery alone, such as the type of cancer known as Tall Cell Variant.

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a cancer of the thyroid glands, a butterfly-shaped gland located below the Adam's apple in the neck. Thyroid cancer is fairly common and unfortunately, is growing in numbers. It accounts for about one percent of all cancers in the United States today. The good news is that this type of cancer usually responds well to treatment and many patients can be cured.

Nodules or Bumps in the Neck Should be Checked

People who notice unusual nodules or bumps in their neck should visit a doctor right away in order to find out if the nodules represents a malign or a benign tumor. And, an experienced head and neck surgeon can examine the patient by a simple examination of the neck and also he can settle a proper diagnosis by performing certain laboratory tests which have the role to determine the function of the thyroid gland.

Treatment Options

Treatments for thyroid cancers include various procedures and will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Moreover, the procedures used to treat thyroid cancer can cure the affection and improve the life of the patient. Statistics have shown that for the most common forms of papillary and papillary follicular thyroid cancer the 5 and 10 year survival rates are in excess of 95%.

If you or a loved one suspect that a bump or nodule might be present in the neck area, it is highly recommended that you consult with a professional thyroid surgeon.

Is it My Thyroid? Look Out for These Common Thyroid Drug Interactions

Medical science has come a long way in recent decades, and patients with thyroid disorders have reaped the benefits of these advances. With proper adherence to a prescribed treatment regimen, most men and women with common thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can live normal, full lives.

However, because the rate of new drug development often outpaces the number of drug interaction studies that can be conducted, it is often virtually impossible for doctors to keep up with all of the possible complications that can occur when thyroid medications are combined with other drugs. Conversely, scientists continue to be on the lookout for drug combinations that can cause, exacerbate, or worsen existing thyroid problems.

As a result, it’s very important for patients with thyroid disorders – and even those with normal thyroid function who have special concerns about maintaining thyroid health – to keep a close eye on possible drug interactions. This week, we’ll take a look at the results of several recent studies that have documented potential problems.

Anti-Tumor Medication Can Slow Thyroid Function

A drug that can impede the development of tumors is always a boon to cancer patients, and years of intensive testing has shown that the medication Sunitinib can indeed slow the growth of certain types of cancer, including kidney and gastrointestinal forms of the disease.

However, according to the results of a study recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Sunitinib’s effectiveness as an anti-tumor agent may come at a significant price. Scientists confirmed previous suspicions that prolonged use of the drug can slow thyroid function and even cause hypothyroidism in some cases.

In the study, thyroid function was studied in a group of 42 patients who had been diagnosed with cancer and were using Sunitinib as part of their treatment regimen. None of the patients participating in the study had a history of hypothyroidism or slowed thyroid function.

When the results of the study were analyzed, it was found that 36% met the clinical criteria for a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Among the patients who did not meet the criteria for hypothyroidism, an additional 15% were found to have low bloodstream concentrations of thyroid hormones. The longer the patients had been taking Sunitinib, the greater their risk of hypothyroidism.

Based on these findings, the scientists concluded that cancer treatment with Sunitinib can, in fact, cause a drop in blood thyroid hormone levels. In some cases, this reduction is severe enough to induce full-blown hypothyroidism.

Growth Hormone Therapy Can Cause Hypothyroidism

For patients with pituitary gland disorders, doctors often prescribe a treatment regimen that involves growth hormone. Similar treatments are also used in the care of patients with certain types of brain tumors.

However, according the results of a study recent published in the journal Clinical Endocrinology, this treatment can impede proper thyroid function and, in some cases, even cause hypothyroidism.

In the study, a sample of 243 patients on growth hormone therapy was studied throughout the course of the treatment. Although thyroid hormone levels varied according to the type of disorder each patient was being treated for, the scientists found an overarching trend of low serum thyroxine levels. Based on the findings, the authors concluded that the growth hormone treatment can be blamed for causing hypothyroidism by suppressing proper TSH secretion.  

 Cancer Drug Bexarotene Found to Interfere with Thyroid Hormone Secretion

Used primarily as a form of treatment for patients diagnosed with cutaneous T-call lymphoma, the drug Bexarotene has been associated in the past with diminished thyroid function. The results of a study recently published in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism seem not only to bear this suspicion out, but also to pinpoint the source of the problem.

The study was conducted on a group of six normal, disease-free patients with no history of either lymphoma or thyroid dysfunction. In a series of overnight tests, the patients were given either Bexarotene or a placebo. After a waiting period, the subjects were then given a number of diagnostic procedures, including assessments of thyroid hormone levels in the bloodstream.

It was found that the patients who had been administered Bexarotene experienced a decline in several types of thyroid hormones. Low serum thyrotropin were most significantly affected. The authors noted that these findings were consistent with the documented risk of hypothyroidism that had previously been linked to Bexarotene treatment, and they concluded that the drug can inhibit TSH secretion.

If you’re worried about possible drug interactions and their impact on thyroid health, be sure to share your concerns with your physician. Don’t forget to check back each week for more breaking thyroid health and research news.