Recognizing Early Stages of Thyroid Cancer
posted: Feb. 28, 2023.
Nodules can form on your thyroid gland, which is located at the base of your neck, and these can eventually develop into thyroid cancer. These nodules can manifest symptoms that can alert you to early signs of thyroid cancer, as well as issues that these can cause on their own, so it's important to seek help from your Carmel, IN, ENT professionals, Dr. Robert Youkilis, Dr. Jeffrey Beach, and Dr. Seth Bruggers of Northside ENT.
Thyroid Nodules
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that produces the thyroid hormone, which plays many roles in various aspects of your body's functions.
Abnormal growths can form within the thyroid, these are called thyroid nodules, and although they aren't always cancerous they should still be examined by your doctor.
These nodules can be solid growths, fluid-filled cysts, or a combination of both. It may sometimes be possible to feel the lump on your neck, to feel pressure at the location of the nodule, or for you to experience difficulty swallowing.
But many may experience no symptoms and don't know they have a nodule until it's found during a routine examination, which highlights their importance.
Thyroid Cancer Treatment in Carmel, IN
Your doctor can diagnose a nodule with imaging tests and determine if a biopsy is needed. They will also monitor the nodule to see if it grows, as even a benign nodule can grow large enough to cause problems, such as with your voice and when eating.
If cancer is found the tumor can be removed, although it's often recommended that the thyroid gland be removed either partially or in part, which minimizes the risk of recurrence or spread. Because of the importance of the thyroid gland to your body's chemistry, you may need to be supplemented with thyroid hormone after treatment.
To learn more about your risks and everything that can be done to prevent and treat thyroid cancer you can schedule a consultation in Carmel, IN, with Northside ENT, with Dr. Youkilis, Dr. Beach, and Dr. Bruggers, by dialing (317) 844-5656.