What is Thyroid Cancer (Follicular Cell of the Thyroid)

Thyroid Cancer may be of the Follicular Cell type and usually arise from the follicular cells of the thyroid. It is usually a slow growing type of tumour. 40% of thyroid tumours are of this type.

The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck in the front. This acts as the body’s carburettor and accelerator determining how quickly we burn our fuel. It regulates body metabolism and energy. The vallecular cells make the thyroid hormone responsible for the above, and C cells located between the thyroid follicles make calcitonin (which regulate calcium).

Statistics on Thyroid Cancer (Follicular Cell of the Thyroid)

Thyroid cancer is relatively uncommon and occurs at any age with sex incidence being more common in females (Three times more common).

Geographically, the thyroid cancer tumour is found worldwide but is more common in caucasians. Higher incidences of thyroid cancer are also found in Japan, the Pacific Islands and Chernobyl as a result of nuclear exposure.

Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer (Follicular Cell of the Thyroid)

Exposure to radiation such as from previous radiotherapy treatment, radiation from nuclear weapons and multiple x-ray exposure increases the risk. Iodine deficiency and long standing goitre
(swelling of the thyroid gland) may be risk factors.

Progression of Thyroid Cancer (Follicular Cell of the Thyroid)

This type of thyroid cancer tumour spreads by local spread into surrounding tissue such as the trachea and muscles of the neck. Lymphatic spread to regional lymph nodes may occur, especially in the neck. Blood-borne spread can disseminate this tumour to the bones, liver and lung.

How is Thyroid Cancer (Follicular Cell of the Thyroid) Diagnosed?

General investigations into thyroid cancer may show under active or over active thyroid tests but they will usually be normal.

Prognosis of Thyroid Cancer (Follicular Cell of the Thyroid)

Early thyroid cancers can be associated with a good cure rate with a greater than 90% in the 5 to 10 year survival period.

How is Thyroid Cancer (Follicular Cell of the Thyroid) Treated?

Thyroid cancer surgery is usually curative. In cases where the tumour has spread, radioactive iodine may produce a good long term remission.

Improvement in thyroid cancer symptoms is an important measurement. Specific monitoring may be by measurement of serum TBG. If metastases were present prior to treatment with radioactive iodine, then imaging may be used to assess the response.

The thyroid cancer symptoms that may require attention are somatic pain in metastatic disease. Stridor from invasion of the trachea may require specific treatment such as laser bronchoscopy.

All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.

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