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Thyroid Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnostic Options, and More

Thyroid Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnostic Options, and More

Thyroid cancer is an abnormal mutation of cancer-causing cells in the thyroid gland that triggers the destruction of healthy cells in the gland. Women above a certain age are at a higher risk of developing this complication than men. While cancer can be diagnosed at a young age, advanced symptoms develop slowly and gradually, making it difficult for doctors to finalize a treatment plan. Here is an overview of the possible causes, known symptoms, and available treatments.

Causes and risk factors
Thyroid cancer risk increases due to exposure, inherent syndromes, or even certain nutritional deficiencies.

  • Exposure to radiation
    Any form of radiation therapy recommended for treating head cancer, neck cancer, or other underlying progressive disorders also increases exposure to radioactive elements. The healthy cells of the thyroid gland become malignant with repeated exposure. Even residing in areas with nuclear or radioactive fallouts while working in nuclear power plants may be a significant risk factor.
  • Underlying causes
    Existing genetic mutations that result in endocrine diseases, a family history of thyroid disease, unusual gland enlargement, inflammation, and even an unhealthy increase in body mass index (BMI) affects the metabolism. Additionally, any imbalance in hormone levels increases the risk of the healthy cells becoming cancerous.
  • Nutritional deficiencies
    Any hormonal imbalance triggered due to an iodine deficiency increases the risk of this cancer. It is a crucial element that the body must absorb to produce thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones mainly help create proteins and enzymes for regulating metabolic functions. It is one of the reasons why iodine is added to salt so that daily supplemental intake is met for children and adults from foods and beverages.
  • Other known risk factors
    Women have higher estrogen levels in the body; studies indicate this can be a potential risk factor. Also, papillary thyroid cancer, one of the known types, may develop among young adults between 30 and 50.

Symptoms
Thyroid cancer symptoms develop gradually over time and are often misdiagnosed due to overlapping health conditions.

  • Unusually painful cough
    A cough that is persistent and not triggered by any cold, flu, or viral infection can be a sign of developing thyroid cancer. However, with persistent coughing, one might also notice blood in the sputum or mucous, indicating serious cell damage.
  • Enlarged thyroid
    Visible swelling in the lower neck where the gland is located could indicate enlargement of the thyroid as cancer continues to spread and mutate in the localized area. Once the cancer metastasizes, it can travel to other parts of the body.
  • Trouble swallowing
    Swelling and inflammation of the gland can force the throat to close up and put pressure on the esophagus. As the cancer gradually develops, it can become exceedingly difficult to swallow daily foods due to the restricted esophageal cavity.
  • Trouble breathing
    Pressure on the esophageal tract can also result in the constriction of the windpipe, further causing breathing problems. Experiencing difficult and restricted breathing without having any underlying respiratory disorder could indicate sudden inflammation of the airways in the neck region.
  • Changes in voice
    The thyroid gland surrounds the voice box, which can put pressure on the vocal cord, resulting in abrupt changes in voice. One may notice hoarseness that develops slowly but persistently.

Diagnosis and treatment options
There are several ways doctors can confirm the presence of thyroid mutation.

  • General physical exam
    Thyroid cancer does exhibit a number of physical changes. So, doctors perform a physical exam to check for any new lumps, nodules, or inflammation of the gland by feeling the neck region. This is the first step among many diagnostic procedures.
  • Ultrasound and function tests
    An ultrasound test uses an audio imaging technique that bounces sound waves off the thyroid gland to create an image. It helps point out the location and spread of the cancer-causing cells. In addition to ultrasound tests, blood is collected to check hormone levels and confirm any imbalance that could have triggered the cancer.
  • Imaging tests
    Computed tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resource Imaging (MRI) scans, and Thyroid scan using an iodine marker can highlight the spread of the cancer. Oncologists suggest imaging tests should be done at periodic intervals to understand the progression of the disease. Based on this updated information, treatments can be modified.
  • Biopsy
    A biopsy is done to identify the presence of cancer in tissue extracted from the suspected region. For thyroid cancer diagnosis, doctors suggest a fine needle or core biopsy to determine the type of thyroid cancer based on the tissue sample.

Treatment will vary depending on the type of cancer and the severity of its progression. Common options include: 

Surgery
There are three types of surgery suggested including thyroidectomy, thyroid lobectomy, and lymph node dissection. In most cases, a thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy is performed to remove the thyroid gland partially or completely. In advanced cases, a lymph node dissection is recommended. It mainly prevents the cancer from spreading through the lymphatic system and affecting other vital organs.

  • Alcohol ablation
    Smaller thyroid cancers can be managed with alcohol ablation, where doctors inject concentrated ethanol substances into the infected cells to shrink the cancerous tumor. It might be done after surgical procedures to further remove infected cells or is generally suggested for people who are not fit for major surgery.
  • Thyroid hormone therapy
    Hormone therapy is recommended to both replace and suppress certain hormones to maintain a balance necessary for metabolic functions. These hormones can be continued post-treatment to replenish daily requirements.
  • Radioactive iodine
    This is an oral treatment option that is suggested for localized thyroid cancer where the radioactive iodine kills thyroid cells upon use.
  • Advanced stages treatment options
    If the cancer has spread beyond the localized region, oncologists prescribe targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Alternatively, cryoablation (use of extreme cold to freeze and kill cancer cells) is also suggested to better manage cancer progression.
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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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Macular Degeneration – Causes, Symptoms, Management Options, and More

Human bodies evolve at every stage of life, and as people age, their bodies begin to weaken, and various organs begin to slow down. One specific change with age is deterioration or loss of vision. Macular degeneration is an eye condition that worsens with advancing age and contributes to vision loss in those aged 50 and older. Here is all one should know about its causes, symptoms, treatments, and more. Age-related macular degeneration This is the most frequent cause of significant vision loss in people 50 years and older. The illness only affects the central vision. However, it is uncommon for people to go blind due to this damage. AMD impedes the ability to see tiny details and the center of the vision. The macula, a portion of the retina, is damaged in this condition. People in advanced stages lose their ability to drive, see faces, and read smaller print. Types of AMD The two main kinds of age-related macular degeneration are of two types: The most prevalent form of AMD, accounting for about 80% of cases, is dry AMD. The specific cause of this is yet unknown; however, genetic and environmental factors may play a role in how it develops. It occurs due to the macula's light-sensitive cells gradually deteriorating, usually one eye at a time. Here, vision loss happens gradually and slowly. This problem could also develop if a crucial support membrane beneath the retina is damaged. Although less common, wet AMD causes more severe vision loss in patients than dry AMD. This occurs as a result of abnormal blood vessel development behind the retina. It results in leaky blood and fluid flow in the eye, creating a blind spot in the center of vision. Causes of AMD Older people are more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. AMD is a hereditary eye condition, but the source of this degeneration is unknown. However, research indicates that some elements may have a role in its development. Here are some of these causes: Age Studies have indicated that AMD is more common in people over 60. Genetic predisposition People with specific genes associated with AMD in their family are more likely to contract the condition. Cardiovascular condition AMD is more likely to affect people with heart conditions or blood vessel problems. Symptoms of AMD Although each person's symptoms may vary, these are typical signs observed: Having hazy or blurry vision Having trouble recognizing familiar faces Straight lines appear wavy. The center of the field of vision has a blind spot, a black, empty space. Loss of central vision, which is required for close-up work, reading, driving, and recognizing faces One of the most typical early signs of this condition is the development of microscopic yellow deposits called drusen in the retina. It may suggest the onset of severe AMD. However, some symptoms may be similar to those of other eye conditions. Therefore, it is critical to consult a doctor if someone has any of these symptoms to avoid complications. Diagnosis of AMD Through routine eye exams, this condition can be detected in its early stages, allowing the proper treatment to be administered at the right time. The doctor can also examine the retina and macula for changes. To diagnose AMD, an eye doctor may do the following tests in addition to a thorough medical history and eye examination: Visual acuity test This common eye chart exam checks vision ability at various distances. Pupil dilation Here, eyedrops enlarge the pupil to examine the eye's retina up close. Fluorescein angiography This method includes injecting a specific dye into an arm vein to diagnose age-related macular degeneration. The doctor then photographs the dye as it travels through the retina's blood vessels, enabling the doctor to assess whether or not the leakage is curable. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) This imaging tool captures precise pictures of the retina and macula. This process isn't intrusive or uncomfortable. When a person stares into the lens, it simply takes a photograph of the eye. OCTA (optical coherence tomography angiography) This procedure uses laser light reflection and the OCT scanning instrument. It produces 3D images of blood flow through the eye in only a few seconds. Treatment options There isn't a fully effective treatment for this problem. Only the initial symptoms can be slowed to lessen the severity of the condition. This disorder might sometimes recur even after comprehensive treatment. However, a few management options can be considered depending on age, general health, and medical history. Programs for vision rehabilitation and low-vision equipment can improve visual abilities, create new routines for daily tasks, and help people cope with age-related macular degeneration. Wet AMD is mainly treated with injections of anti-VEGF cure. High levels of VEGF in the eye lead to abnormal blood vessel formation. Anti-VEGF remedies are intended to slow the condition's progression and lessen the adverse effects of these leaky abnormal blood vessels. They can also successfully stabilize vision in a lot of patients. Natural supplements, such as a vitamin and mineral combination, have been shown in studies to reduce the growth of dry AMD. Supplements containing vitamins C and E, lutein, zinc, copper, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene can help alleviate symptoms. In photodynamic therapy, excess blood vessels in the eye are destroyed using a laser and an injectable light-sensitive tool. This procedure can be combined with anti-VEGF treatment. Prevention of AMD Although this is a hereditary condition that can develop with age, some steps can be taken to avoid it, such as: Consume plenty of vegetables like spinach and kale because they are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients aid in preventing the cellular harm caused by free radicals, which can be a factor in eye illness. Overexposure to harsh sunlight can harm the retina. Thus, wearing sunglasses and other protective gear can lower the risk. Hypertension can also cause poor blood circulation, restricting blood flow to the eyes and causing AMD. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can fend off numerous illnesses, including AMD.

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