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February 9, 2012
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Thyroid Cancer

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Thyroid Cancer Overview

The thyroid gland is located low in the front of the neck, below the Adam's apple. The gland is shaped like a butterfly and wraps around the windpipe or trachea. The two wings or lobes on either side of the windpipe are joined together by a bridge, called the isthmus, which crosses over the front of the windpipe.

Picture of the Thyroid Gland

Thyroid cancer accounts for nearly 2% of all new cancers diagnosed in the United States every year, according to the U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry (SEER) predictions. Over the last 10 years, thyroid cancer has had a larger increase in incidence than any other type of cancer.

Thyroid cancer occurs in all age groups, although its incidence increases with age, especially after 30 years of age. More aggressive forms of thyroid cancer are found in older patients. Thyroid cancer occurs three times more frequently in women than in men. Thyroid cancer originates from one of two different types of thyroid cells: follicular cells or so-called parafollicular, or C cells.

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Thyroid Cancer - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the treatment for you thyroid cancer?

Thyroid Cancer - Symptoms At Onset Of Disease

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

The symptoms of thyroid cancer can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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Thyroid Cancer

Topic Overview

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a disease that you get when abnormal cells begin to grow in your thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is located in the front of your neck. It makes hormones that regulate the way your body uses energy and that help your body work normally.

Thyroid cancer is an uncommon type of cancer. Most people who have it do very well, because the cancer is usually found early and the treatments work well. After it is treated, thyroid cancer may come back, sometimes many years after treatment.

What causes thyroid cancer?

Experts do not know the exact cause of thyroid cancer. Like other cancers, changes in the DNA of your cells seem to play a role. These DNA changes may include changes that are inherited as well as those that happen as you get older. People who have been exposed to a lot of radiation have a greater chance of getting thyroid cancer.

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Thyroid Cancer »

Thyroid malignancy occurs with relative infrequency in the United States, though benign thyroid disease is relatively common.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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