Why Is Thyroid Cancer More Common in Females?

An Overview

When thyroid cancer symptoms start to show the most common one is fatigue. If you are suffering from thyroid cancer, some of the changes you will see are in your nails, skin or hair, and other random physical problems. Women busy maintaining a balance between family and work, might not even notice these symptoms. When a doctor finally diagnoses an underactive thyroid because of cancer, it usually comes as a shock. Experts say that women diagnosed with thyroid cancer aged from around 30 to 60. They usually avoid seeing a doctor and blame their symptoms on other problems.

Thyroid Cancer Is Common in Women

Thyroid disorders are seen more in women probably because of the roles of hormones, which are obviously different from that of men. Thyroid nodules have an impact on up to 80 per cent of females, but only 5 to 15 per cent of those bumps and lumps are cancerous.

The good news is that thyroid cancer is treatable even if the cancer cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Thyroid cancer treatment is treated like a chronic condition where the patient gets treated and sees her doctor on a regular basis for a follow-up.

Diagnosing Thyroid Cancer

If a female sees or feels a lump in the base of her neck, or if her doctor observes a lesion on the thyroid on an X-ray, the diagnostic test after that is generally lab work followed by ultrasound as it provides information regarding the nodule.

Doctors usually suggest observation of small nodules. Bigger nodules may be tested with fine-needle aspiration, in which the doctor brings together a sample of cells from the growth with a needle and observes them under a telescope.

Approximately 70% of growth biopsies show that the growth is mild. Apart from that, another 25% of biopsies are ambiguous and the rest show that thyroid cancer is present.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment

Surgery to eliminate the thyroid and any affected lymph nodes is usually the most preferred thyroid cancer treatment. Eventually, the patient will take thyroid hormones to compensate for the loss of the gland and radioactive iodine to treat any prevailing cancer cells.

Classic surgical elimination of the thyroid gland leaves a prominent mark on the front of the neck. It is noted that a lot of thyroid cancer survivors are comfortable with their scar and consider it as a badge of honor. But on the other hand, there are plenty of patients who do not want an everyday reminder of cancer surgery every time they look in the mirror.

Working on Recovery

Post-surgery recovery takes time and may mean you need to take a few weeks off work. The body needs to get accustomed to the thyroid medication that is taking the place of the hormone which is no longer provided by the now-removed thyroid.

It is highly recommended that women find a doctor who will pay attention to what symptoms a woman is describing. Women who suffer from thyroid problems may feel frustrated at times. They know that something is wrong with their body and want to be taken seriously.

Bottom Line!

If you are suffering from thyroid cancer symptoms the ENT Specialty Group in Canada is one of the best clinics when it comes to treating throat disorders. The clinic consists of the best specialists for throat cancer. Not only do they provide their patients with rapid access to the most advanced diagnostic tests and treatment techniques, but they also make sure that their patients get the care and compassion that is required during their recovery.