Thyroid Cancer Research
The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck, and for men, below the Adam’s apple. It is part of the endocrine system and it regulates the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and the rate of which food is converted into energy. The thyroid hormone controls the rate of growth in the body and also helps children grow and develop.
Thyroid cancer can be caused by the environment and by genetics. However, it is very rare for it to be hereditary. This cancer can run in the family if “first-degree relatives” such as parents, siblings, children, or close relatives like grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc. are diagnosed with thyroid cancer especially before the age of 30. On average, only about 10% of thyroid cancer is inherited. However, for children with parents who have this cell mutation, their risk of thyroid cancer is raised to 50%. Exposure to high levels of radiation, especially during childhood increases the risk of thyroid cancer significantly. People who also had x-ray treatments from the 1920s to the 1950s are at a higher chance of thyroid cancer. Neck radiation treatment or radiation therapy during childhood also increases the risk of thyroid cancer.
While the cause of thyroid cancer still remains anonymous, there are still some risk factors for this type of cancer. For one, thyroid cancer occurs more in Caucasian women than any other race or gender. Also, it occurs more often during adult childhood or if a woman experiences pregnancy later in life (around the age of 30 or above) are at a larger risk. Radiation exposure from head to neck during childhood also increases the chances of this cancer. Lastly, having a family history of thyroid cancer or even thyroid conditions like an enlarged thyroid can increase the risk. However, many people have been diagnosed with this cancer and have never had an encounter with any of these risks.
Thyroid cancer can be detected by self-examination to check for any lumps, or a blood test can be taken. Also, medical records can be reviewed for any family history. A biopsy can be used by getting a sample of cells so that a pathologist can look at it under a microscope to check for a cancerous cell. It is performed by inserting a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), which is a thin, hollow needle, into the suspected area and cells and fluids are extracted. Imaging tests such as chest x-rays, ultrasounds, Computed Tomography (CT) Scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan, Nuclear Medicine Scan, and Vocal Cord Exams can be used to detect the cancer. Laboratory tests are also used to monitor how the thyroid is working and they are done by checking the levels of the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (THS).
The most effective way to prevent any type of cancer is by having a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a low-stress lifestyle. Anyone who lives within a ten mile radius of a nuclear power plant is recommended to take Potassium Iodide tablets to protect the thyroid gland. Having a diet emphasis on unsaturated fats like omega-3 fatty acids in fish can also help reduce the risks of thyroid cancer.
Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. There are two types of surgery: Thyroidectomy which is when the whole thyroid is removed and Hemithyroidectomy which is when the lobe on the side where the cancer is found is removed. Thyroid hormone treatment which is when a pill is taken to slow the growth of thyroid cancer can also be used as a treatment. Another treatment for this cancer is Radioactive Iodine therapy which can be taken as a capsule or in liquid form is used to destroy any cancer cells. Lastly, radiation therapy which is when a large machine is used to aim a beam of radiation at the tumor can be used to treat this cancer. The only disadvantage of this treatment is that it kills both the normal and cancer cells in the thyroid.

Work Cited
Definition of Thyroid gland. (n.d.).MedicineNet.com. Retrieved March