Papillary thyroid cancer is the most frequent variant of the oncology of this organ. Tumor formation occurs from cells that produce thyroid hormones, grows slowly and most often metastasis occurs lymphogenically. In most cases, the prognosis for papillary thyroid cancer is favorable, but sometimes the tumor can become quite aggressive.
Causes and symptoms of papillary thyroid cancer
Papilloma is called a papilla, which has multiple tubercles or protrusions. The formation of papillae is considered a clinical case, since a greater share of probability appears that these formations will begin to increase in size and then spread. The causes of their occurrence may be a genetic predisposition or exposure to radioactive radiation (for example, radiation therapy).
Symptoms of papillary thyroid cancer are few:
- change of voice;
- an increase in the thyroid gland;
- violation of the swallowing process;
- formation of a dense node in the thyroid gland;
- unpleasant sensations when breathing.
In general, the signs of this ailment are manifested when the tumor grows beyond the capsule of the thyroid gland. Metastasis most often affects the lymph nodes, but it can hurt the lungs or bone tissue. Remote metastases do not appear with papillary thyroid cancer.
Diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer
Diagnosis of this disease is a complex process. The thing is that the tumor basically develops on the background of goitre (an increase in the size of the thyroid gland), and even grows in a capsule, disguised as a benign neoplasm.
To diagnose papillary thyroid cancer at the first stage, you need to do:
- Ultrasound;
- biopsy ;
- computed tomography shchitovidki,
- a blood test to determine the level of hormones.
With the help of computed tomography or ultrasound, you can find out the presence and condition of the nodes, the size of the gland and the state of the surrounding tissue. A blood test is needed to determine if the thyroid gland has retained the ability to normally develop hormones, and a biopsy will give all the information about the malignancy of the process.
Treatment of papillary thyroid cancer
The prognosis of papillary cancer is favorable, and the survival rate of patients is up to 90%, because one can choose one of several ways to treat this ailment (radiation, surgical or chemotherapeutic) or combine them.
Papillary thyroid cancer is not always sensitive to radiation therapy, but in the initial stages such therapy will be quite effective. Chemotherapy is most often used only as an additional method of treatment, but with its help it is possible to prevent the formation of metastases and relapse of the disease.
In most cases, the tumor in the thyroid gland is removed surgically. Such treatment of papillary thyroid cancer is carried out if the size of the tumor formation does not exceed
Immediately after surgery, the patient can observe his previous activity, but damage to the recurrent nerves and swelling of the vocal cords can trigger a strong voice change. During surgery, you can remove the isthmus and half of the gland. Because of this, the patient after full recovery is required the appointment of lifelong treatment and regular examinations.