Why is Thyroid Screening Important?
Thyroid cancer is on the rise globally and Singapore
Thyroid cancer is the 8th most common cancer in Singaporean Women
Early diagnosis improves the likelihood of a cure
Thyroid screening is crucial for early detection, prevention of complications, and maintaining overall health and well-being. It’s an essential part of healthcare that can make a significant difference in an individual’s life.
What is thyroid cancer?
There are many causes of lumps in the neck and one of such common cause is due to thyroid lumps. 80% of thyroid lumps are non-cancerous (benign) while the other 20% may be cancerous (malignant).
A more worrying cause of neck lumps is the thyroid gland; swelling or lumps caused by the thyroid gland may indicate thyroid disease or cancer.
Thyroid cancer is a cancer that forms in the thyroid gland (located in front of the neck at the base of the throat). There are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. The type of thyroid cancer is based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope.
What causes thyroid cancer?
While the exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, thyroid cancers are linked with the following factors:
Being female (more women are affected by thyroid cancer than men)
- Having a history of thyroid cancer in the family
- Significant levels of radiation exposure
- Certain inherited genetic conditions
What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?
- A lump on the front of the neck just next to the voice box / windpipe
- Changes to your voice, including increasing hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Pain in your neck and throat
- Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck (i.e. lumps at the side of your neck)
How is thyroid cancer screening performed?
- Ultrasound scan
- Ultrasound-guided Biopsy
FAQ
Yes, most cases of thyroid cancer can be successfully treated through surgery, especially with early detection.
In most cases, recurrence is unlikely unless the cancer is aggressive or has spread beyond the thyroid.
