What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a disease that affects the thyroid, a gland located in the front part of the neck. The thyroid is responsible for regulating our metabolism.It is estimated that over 30,000 people will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer this year. Thyroid cancer is normallt reated with success and has an excellent rate of survival.
Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Early thyroid cancer often does not produce symptoms. But as the cancer grows, thyroid cancer symptoms may include:- A lump, or nodule, in the front of the neck near the Adam's apple
- Hoarseness or difficulty speaking in a normal voice;
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck
Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors
The following risk factors are associated with an increased chance of developing thyroid cancer:- radiation exposure
- family history
- being female
-
being over 40
-
race - caucasians are more likely to develop thyroid cancer
- not enough iodine in the diet
