Thyroid Cancer

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What Is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the thyroid gland, located in the lower front of the neck. It usually appears as a painless lump and is typically detected when there are no abnormal thyroid function test results. There are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic, with papillary and follicular being the most common and treatable with radioiodine.

The Features of Thyroid Cancer

Painless Lump: Often appears as a painless lump in the lower front of the neck.
Asymptomatic: Many patients have no symptoms and discover the cancer incidentally.
Lump Movement: The lump may move with swallowing.
Pressure Sensation: Occasionally causes a feeling of pressure in the neck.
Unilateral: Typically, the lump is on one side of the thyroid gland.
Normal Thyroid Function Tests: Blood tests usually show normal thyroid function.
Incidental Discovery: Often found during routine physical exams or imaging studies for unrelated reasons.

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THE CAUSES

What Are the Causes of Thyroid Cancer?

The exact cause of thyroid cancer is often unknown, but some major risk factors include:

Radiation Exposure: History of radiation to the head or neck, especially during childhood.
Genetic Predisposition: Family history, particularly with medullary thyroid cancer.

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DIAGNOSIS

How Is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a detailed medical history and physical examination. Key diagnostic tests include:

Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy: Often the first step and can significantly reduce the need for further testing if positive.
Ultrasonography: Used to guide biopsies, especially if the nodule is difficult to palpate.
Thyroid Uptake Scan: Determines if the mass can concentrate radioiodine, particularly in patients with low TSH levels.
Blood Studies: Helps in evaluating thyroid function and cancer markers.

THE TREATMENT

How Is Thyroid Cancer Treated?

Most thyroid cancers can be diagnosed early and treated effectively. Treatment typically involves:

Surgery: Removal of both sides of the thyroid gland if cancer is confirmed or highly likely. If cancer is suspected but not confirmed, only the affected side may be removed initially.
Radioactive Iodine Treatment: Used to destroy any remaining malignant thyroid cells, particularly if there is a significant risk of recurrence.
Thyroid Medication (Levothyroxine): Started after surgery to replace thyroid function and reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence.
Monitoring: Includes periodic ultrasound examinations, radioiodine body scans, and blood tests for thyroglobulin, supervised by an endocrinologist.

Regular follow-ups are crucial to ensure the cancer has not recurred. Most types of thyroid cancer have an excellent prognosis when diagnosed early and managed by an experienced physician.

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Meet Our Endocrinologists

Our Endocrinologists, Dr. Carlo A. Fumero, Sean Amirzadeh, DO, Alberto Garcia Mendez, Lauren Sosdorf, and Pedro Troya, are board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and have a wealth of experience treating thyroid conditions. They will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

OUR TESTIMONIALS

What our patients say about us

As a patient of Dr. Troya’s for several years, I would highly recommend this endocrinologist to anyone. He gives full attention to you and your needs without being pressed for time. His diagnosis and treatments are thorough with up-to-date technology and years of experience. His concern and compassion are genuine with your best interest at heart. After having multiple biopsies performed by Dr. Troya, I am definitely a loyal follower.

I have been going to Dr. Troya for a year. He has treated my Diabetes with great success. He communicates with my other doctors, so he has a complete medical history of all my health issues. We need more caring doctors like Dr. Troya who has the patient’s best interest at heart. I am very thankful for Dr. Pedro Troya.

I was a private pilot for 34 years before contracting Type 1 diabetes after a severe case of food poisoning in March of 2008. My first endocrinologist refused to assist me in working with the FAA to retain my pilot’s license. I became a patient of Dr. Troya in 2010. Since that time, he has put me on a Continuous Glucose Monitoring regime and helped me stabilize my blood glucose levels to levels that allow me to pass my FAA medical exam. His caring and interest in each patient's personal issues, as well as their medical outcomes, marks him as an outstanding physician.

Dr. Carlos Fumero is a very personable and caring physician. He takes the time to listen and is very thorough in his evaluations and explanations. He exercises incredible care and concern. I have been referring family members and friends to Dr. Carlos Fumero for almost two years now. We are all exceptionally grateful to have found such a trusted physician. Thank you, Dr. Carlos Fumero. Your kindness and medical expertise are more appreciated than I could ever express in words.

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Thyroid Cancer

Get Answers to Your Endocrinology Questions

What Is Thyroid Cancer?

The Features of Thyroid Cancer

Office locations

Opening Hours

THE CAUSES

What Are the Causes of Thyroid Cancer?

DIAGNOSIS

How Is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

THE TREATMENT

How Is Thyroid Cancer Treated?

Meet Our Endocrinologists

OUR TESTIMONIALS

What our patients say about us

Company

Services

Operating Hours

Wesley Chapel Office: