What You Need to Know About Thyroid Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 56,000 new cases of thyroid cancer in the United States are expected in 2017. The prevalence of thyroid cancer diagnoses in the U.S. has tripled in the past three decades.

The good news is that despite the growing incidence, thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable malignancies with an average five-year survival of more than 98 percent. It is projected that thyroid cancer will account for less than 0.3 percent of all cancer deaths in 2017.

In honor of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, celebrated every September, LifeBridge Health is raising awareness of the importance of early detection and timely treatment.

Dr. Hosai Todd-Hesham, an otolaryngologist and head/neck surgeon at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, works closely with the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism to formulate an individual treatment plan for each patient that may include medical treatment and surgery. Surgery is considered the main treatment for thyroid cancer. Dr. Todd-Hesham says the importance of physicians showing their patients compassion and thoroughly discussing treatment options with them can't be emphasized enough.

"Thankfully, most thyroid cancers are curable. Having operated on hundreds of patients with thyroid disease, I try to reassure my patients that the odds are on their side. However, the anxiety that comes with the word cancer is understandable," she says. "Our job as physicians is to not just help treat the condition, but also to help ease the anxiety and fear that comes with the process."

You should see your doctor right away if:

• You feel a new lump or swelling in the neck area (above your collar bone)
• You feel pain in the front of the neck
• You feel more tired or fatigued
• You are losing or gaining weight and unsure why
• There are changes in your voice (such as prolonged hoarseness)
• You have a constant cough not related to a cold
• You have difficulty swallowing or breathing

These symptoms are not always associated with cancer. Lumps in the thyroid are common and usually benign, the American Cancer Society says. Nonetheless, you should tell your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so he or she can investigate the nature of their cause.

Your primary care physician may refer you to an endocrinologist or a thyroid surgeon. Sinai Hospital takes a multidisciplinary approach to caring for patients with thyroid cancer. Our team of specialists strives to provide the most up-to-date care for each patient. Endocrine cancers are among the conditions treated at the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute.

You can schedule an appointment with a LifeBridge Health physician by completing our online appointment request form or calling 410-601-WELL.