Non-medullary thyroid cancer

They originate in the follicular cells of the thyroid gland and include papillary and follicular carcinoma. They account for 95% of all thyroid cancers with a worldwide incidence of 4-6%. They are generally asymptomatic, with the best prognosis and survival rate. However, advanced or aggressive forms can present a higher degree of dissemination and more severe symptoms.

For unknown reasons, thyroid cancer occurs three times more frequently in women, and although it can occur at any age, the risk in females is higher at younger ages (40-60 years) compared to males (60-79 years).

Exposure to radiation is a proven risk factor, including radiation sources such as medical treatments, as well as exposure to nuclear weapons or accidents at power plants, directly depending on the amount and inversely on age. It is unclear how much imaging studies (X-rays and CT scans) could increase the risk of thyroid cancer or other cancers, as the doses are much lower.

Overweight or obese individuals have a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer as their body mass index increases.

Follicular thyroid cancers are more common in areas where the diet is low in iodine. However, a diet high in iodine can increase the risk of papillary thyroid cancer.

White or Asian individuals are more likely to develop thyroid cancer, but this disease can affect a person of any race or ethnicity.

Most thyroid cancers do not cause symptoms and thus generally go unnoticed. However, the following manifestations may occur:

• If the nodules are large, they can be visible or palpable. Fortunately, only 1 in 20 is malignant.
• If the size is larger, they can cause:
  • Swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, pain in the front of the neck that sometimes reaches the ears.
  • Hoarseness, persistent changes in the voice, constant cough not due to a cold.

It is important to consider that thyroid nodules are common and generally benign, and that many of these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions or even other types of cancer located in the same area.

Most people with thyroid cancer do not have known risk factors, making it difficult to prevent this disease. Therefore, it is important to try to avoid associated risk factors.

• Avoid exposure to radiation, especially in childhood, including imaging studies (X-rays and CT scans), as it is unknown how much they could increase the risk of thyroid cancer (or other cancers), unless absolutely necessary, in which case the lowest possible dose of radiation should be used.
• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet, including iodine consumption, and a healthy and active lifestyle with regular physical exercise to prevent overweight and obesity.