thyroid gland adenocarcinoma

Thyroid gland adenocarcinoma, also known as follicular carcinoma, is a type of cancer that originates in the follicular cells of the thyroid gland.

• Definition: Adenocarcinoma refers to a cancerous tumor that arises from glandular tissue, such as the thyroid gland. In the case of thyroid gland adenocarcinoma, it starts in the follicular cells, which are responsible for producing hormones [5].
• Characteristics: Thyroid gland adenocarcinoma typically presents as a painless lump or nodule in the neck, often discovered incidentally on imaging studies like ultrasound [4]. It can grow gradually and may cause symptoms such as trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, and changes to the voice [7].
• Types: There are two main types of thyroid cancer: papillary and follicular (adenocarcinoma). Follicular carcinoma is further divided into three subtypes: minimally invasive, widely invasive, and poorly differentiated [8].

According to medical research, thyroid gland adenocarcinoma accounts for a significant portion of thyroid cancer cases. It's essential to note that early detection and treatment can improve outcomes for patients with this type of cancer.

References: [5] - The thyroid is a growth of cells that starts in the thyroid. [1] [4] - Thyroid cancer is typically diagnosed by discovery of a lump or nodule that is either felt or seen incidentally on ultrasound or another imaging study. [3] [7] - Signs and symptoms · a painless lump in the neck (the lump may grow gradually) · trouble swallowing · difficulty breathing · changes to the voice, e.g. hoarseness. [7] [8] - by JP Shah · 2015 · Cited by 153 — Thyroid cancer begins in the follicular cell of the thyroid gland. There are 2 types of cells located within the thyroid parenchyma: the follicular cells and ...

Thyroid gland adenocarcinoma, also known as papillary thyroid carcinoma, is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland. The signs and symptoms of this condition can vary from person to person, but here are some common ones:

• A lump or nodule in the front of the neck: This is often the first sign of thyroid cancer, and it may grow gradually over time [1].
• Thyroid enlargement: The thyroid gland may become enlarged, which can cause a swelling in the neck [5].
• Pain in the front of the neck: Some people may experience pain or discomfort in the front of the neck, although this is not always present [3][4].
• Hoarseness: Changes to the voice, such as hoarseness, can be a symptom of thyroid cancer [2][6].
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing: In some cases, people with thyroid cancer may experience difficulty swallowing or breathing, which can be caused by the tumor pressing on nearby structures [1][7].
• Sensation of fullness in the throat: Some individuals may feel a sensation of fullness in the throat, which can be uncomfortable [4].

It's essential to note that not everyone with thyroid cancer will experience all of these symptoms. If you're experiencing any unusual lumps or swelling in your neck, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] Aug 23, 2024 — Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer · A lump in the front of the neck, sometimes growing quickly · Swelling in the neck · Pain in the front of ...

[2] Signs and symptoms · a painless lump in the neck (the lump may grow gradually) · trouble swallowing · difficulty breathing · changes to the voice, e.g. hoarseness ...

[3] What are the warning signs of thyroid cancer? You or your healthcare provider might feel a lump or growth in your neck called a thyroid nodule. Don't panic if ...

[4] What does thyroid cancer feel like? · A sensation of fullness in the throat · Vocal hoarseness · Difficulty swallowing or breathing · Persistent neck or throat ...

[5] Thyroid cancer symptoms vary person to person. 1. Lump or nodule in front of neck 2. Thyroid enlargement 3. Pain in front of neck 4. Hoarseness 5.

[6] The symptoms of thyroid cancer include a lump in your neck, a hoarse voice, a sore throat or difficulty in swallowing.

[7] Jun 15, 2024 — The symptoms of thyroid cancer may include a lump or swelling in the neck, voice changes, swallowing issues and more. Learn about the signs ...

[8] Oct 9, 2024 — The main symptom of thyroid cancer is a lump or swelling at the front of the neck just below your Adam's apple, which is usually painless.

[9] Aug 14, 2024 — Thyroid cancer signs and symptoms · a lump in the neck or throat that may get bigger over time · difficulty breathing or swallowing · swollen ...

Thyroid gland adenocarcinoma, also known as thyroid cancer, can be diagnosed using various tests and procedures.

Physical Exam A physical exam is the first step in diagnosing thyroid cancer. Your healthcare provider will examine your neck to feel for any changes or abnormalities in your thyroid gland [2].

Imaging Tests Several imaging tests are used to diagnose thyroid cancer, including:

• Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the thyroid gland and can help determine if a nodule is solid or filled with fluid [1].
• MRI scan: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be used to get detailed images of the thyroid gland and surrounding tissues.
• CT scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan may also be used to create detailed images of the thyroid gland and surrounding tissues.

Biopsy A biopsy is a procedure where a sample of cells from your thyroid gland is taken for examination. This can help confirm the diagnosis of thyroid cancer [7].

Blood Tests Blood tests, such as serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and antithyroglobulin antibodies, may be used to detect and diagnose thyroid cancer [9]. These tests can also help monitor the disease after treatment.

Other Tests Additional tests, such as radioactive iodine tests, may be used to diagnose or rule out thyroid cancer [4].

It's worth noting that a combination of these tests is often used to diagnose thyroid cancer, rather than relying on a single test. A healthcare provider will determine which tests are necessary based on individual circumstances.

References: [1] Aug 23, 2024 — Ultrasound can help determine if a thyroid nodule is solid or filled with fluid. [2] Tests and procedures used to diagnose thyroid cancer include: Physical exam. [4] Tests such as blood tests, ultrasound and radioactive iodine tests can be used to diagnose or rule out thyroid cancer. [7] A thyroid biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. [9] Serum Thyroglobulin and Antithyroglobulin Antibodies. Serum Tg is the primary tumor marker test for recurrence after thyroid cancer treatment.

Thyroid cancer treatments include various approaches, and drug treatment is one of them.

• Hormone therapy: This type of treatment is used to manage symptoms and slow down the growth of thyroid cancer cells. It involves taking medications that affect hormone levels in the body [1][2].
• Targeted therapy: Targeted medicines are designed to specifically target and destroy cancer cells, reducing harm to healthy tissues. These treatments are often used for advanced or recurrent thyroid cancers [3][4].
• Chemotherapy: This treatment uses medications to kill cancer cells throughout the body. However, chemotherapy is not a common approach for treating thyroid cancer, as it can be effective in other types of cancer [5].

It's essential to note that these treatments are usually considered when surgery or radioactive iodine therapy cannot be used or have been ineffective.

References: [1] - Most often, the goal is to cure thyroid cancer. If the cancer can't be cured, the goal may be to remove or destroy as much of ... (4) [2] - Find out about the treatments for thyroid cancer, including surgery, hormone therapy, radioactive iodine treatment, targeted medicines and radiotherapy. (5) [3] - Treatment options for thyroid cancer include surgery, radioactive iodine (131I) therapy, and molecular-targeted therapies with several tyrosine kinase ... (6) [4] - Thyroid cancer can be treated with surgery, hormone therapy, active surveillance, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and chemotherapy. (8) [5] - Treatment options for localized/regional papillary and follicular thyroid cancer include the following: Surgery. Total thyroidectomy. Lobectomy. (9)

Differential Diagnoses for Thyroid Gland Adenocarcinoma

Thyroid gland adenocarcinoma, also known as thyroid cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other conditions. The differential diagnosis for thyroid gland adenocarcinoma includes:

• Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: A rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage [9].
• Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma: A type of differentiated thyroid cancer that can be difficult to distinguish from follicular adenomas or goiter [4].
• Goiter: An enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by various conditions including thyroiditis, nodular goiter, or thyroid cancer [3].
• Graves Disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism and can lead to thyroid gland enlargement [1].
• Hurthle Cell Carcinoma (Oncocytic Carcinoma): A rare type of thyroid cancer characterized by the presence of Hurthle cells, which are large, eosinophilic cells with a distinctive appearance [2].

Key Points

• Thyroid gland adenocarcinoma can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other conditions.
• Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
• Follicular thyroid carcinoma is a type of differentiated thyroid cancer that can be difficult to distinguish from follicular adenomas or goiter.
• Goiter, Graves disease, and Hurthle cell carcinoma are other conditions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis for thyroid gland adenocarcinoma.

References

[1] Context 4 [2] Context 3 [3] Context 5 [4] Context 8 [9] Context 9