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\u0395\u03ba\u03c4\u03cd\u03c0\u03c9\u03c3\u03b7<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion color=”sky” c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”1″ no_fill=”true” collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”What is thyroid cancer” tab_id=”1615975356574-814f1578-a50b”][vc_column_text]Thyroid cancer is a malignant neoplasm originating in the thyroid gland\u2014an endocrine gland located at the base of the neck that produces essential hormones. It is the most common cancer of the endocrine system.<\/span><\/p>\n It usually appears as a nodule or swelling in the neck and, in most cases, does not cause noticeable symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n Early diagnosis and appropriate <\/span>treatment<\/b> typically lead to <\/span>extremely high cure rates<\/b>, especially for the most common types of the disease.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How common is thyroid cancer” tab_id=”1615975356596-08586a48-adda”][vc_column_text]Thyroid cancer is relatively common (about 1\u20132% of all cancers), yet because of its excellent prognosis, it remains a rare cause of cancer-related death. Its incidence varies depending on geography, age, sex, and other factors.<\/span><\/p>\n Over the past decade, thyroid cancer has shown <\/span>the highest annual increase in incidence compared with other cancers. <\/b>This is likely related both to environmental factors and to significant improvements in diagnostic imaging.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Does thyroid cancer depend on age and sex” tab_id=”1615975445991-abbe6e0b-76e0″][vc_column_text]Thyroid cancer is 3\u20134 times more<\/span> common in women <\/b>than in men, likely due to hormonal influences.<\/span> The tumor may develop silently, <\/span>without any warning symptoms for the patient.<\/b><\/p>\n In the small percentage of patients who develop <\/span>symptoms<\/b>, these may include:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What causes thyroid cancer” tab_id=”1762173024473-a272b0a5-b2ac”][vc_column_text]The exact cause of thyroid cancer remains unknown<\/b>\u2014there is no clearly defined cause-and-effect relationship.<\/span> [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How is thyroid cancer diagnosed” tab_id=”1762173135402-a9a03df8-2900″][vc_column_text]Diagnosis<\/b> involves a combination of clinical assessment and specialized tests:<\/span><\/p>\n In general, diagnosis typically begins with the incidental or targeted discovery of a suspicious nodule, followed by diagnostic tests for accurate characterization and staging of the cancer. Diagnostic assessment is further enhanced by:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What preventive measures can I take” tab_id=”1615975590436-b57265fb-fab9″][vc_column_text]Since the exact cause is unknown, there are <\/span>no specific primary prevention measures<\/b> beyond a healthy lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n Early detection is crucial.<\/b> PTC and FTC are the most common types and generally have an excellent prognosis.<\/span> Diagnosis is closely linked to elevated <\/span>calcitonin<\/b> levels. Although more aggressive than follicular-derived cancers, it can be successfully treated surgically with appropriately planned radical operations. If there is a family history, genetic counseling and testing for both the patient and relatives are essential.<\/span><\/p>\n It is noteworthy that in cases of mild elevation of calcitonin levels, timely surgical removal of the thyroid gland provides a definitive solution and cure. This intervention prevents disease progression at a benign precancerous stage known as C-cell hyperplasia.<\/b>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What are the stages of thyroid cancer” tab_id=”1615976104393-438a3c43-b7c5″][vc_column_text]The stages of thyroid cancer are determined using the <\/span>international TNM classification system,<\/b> which assesses the local extent of the tumor (T), lymph node involvement (N), and the presence of distant metastases (M), categorizing the disease from stage 0 to stage IV.<\/span><\/p>\n Tumor staging plays a critical role in predicting prognosis and ensuring good survival outcomes. Early removal of suspicious lesions\u2014those that raise even the slightest concern for malignancy (\u201cgray zones\u201d)\u2014offers the optimal opportunity to intervene while the disease is still benign and precancerous, or at most in its very early malignant phase. This approach enables complete and effective treatment, allowing patients to continue their lives with confidence and normalcy.<\/b>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Can thyroid cancer spread to other organs” tab_id=”1615976152058-1fb10f02-c563″][vc_column_text]Most common thyroid cancers <\/span>do not metastasize<\/b> to distant organs. They usually grow slowly and remain localized. If the tumor extends beyond the thyroid capsule, it may involve nearby lymph nodes\u2014a surgically treatable condition.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Is thyroid cancer hereditary” tab_id=”1615976199009-15cf9489-9ec0″][vc_column_text]In most cases, thyroid cancer <\/span>is not hereditary.<\/b> However, whenever thyroid cancer occurs in a family, preventive ultrasound screening of first-degree relatives is recommended.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How is thyroid cancer treated” tab_id=”1615976245890-84af2470-7a35″][vc_column_text]Surgery<\/b>, performed by an experienced endocrine surgeon, is the <\/span>primary treatment.<\/b> Radioactive iodine therapy (I-131)<\/b> may be used postoperatively in selected cases according to international guidelines, to destroy remaining thyroid cancer cells.<\/span><\/p>\n At this point, it should be emphasized how <\/span>greatly the patient benefits from the timely removal of the neoplastic thyroid. By intervening early, according to international guidelines, the patient may avoid the need for radioactive iodine therapy and the associated burden of isolation.<\/b><\/p>\n Other treatments, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, are rarely required.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Should I worry about thyroid cancer” tab_id=”1615976319511-f293f35c-5a98″][vc_column_text]No. <\/b>The <\/span>prognosis<\/b> for the most common thyroid cancers is excellent. Therefore, a patient diagnosed with thyroid cancer has every reason to be optimistic, as timely and specialized surgical treatment can <\/span>completely overcome the disease, allowing for a normal and healthy life.<\/b><\/p>\n Dr. Evangelos Karvounis, MD, PhD, FACS<\/b>, is an award-winning <\/span>endocrine surgeon<\/span><\/a>, Doctor of the Medical School of the University of Athens and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.<\/span>
\n<\/span>It is rare in children and adolescents and generally has a very favorable prognosis.<\/span>
\n<\/span>It can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in individuals in their 40s and 50s.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer” tab_id=”1615975481588-25200828-4edd”][vc_column_text]In the vast majority of cases, thyroid cancer causes <\/span>NO symptoms at all<\/b>.<\/span>
\n<\/span>It is often <\/span>detected incidentally <\/b>as a thyroid nodule on ultrasound.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n<\/span>However, several <\/span>risk factors<\/b> are recognized:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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\n<\/span>Because thyroid cancer <\/span>usually causes no symptoms<\/b> and does <\/span>not alter thyroid hormone levels<\/b>, incorporating a <\/span>thyroid ultrasound<\/b> into your <\/span>annual preventive check-up<\/b> is highly recommended.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What types of thyroid cancer exist” tab_id=”1615975556038-9e4b248f-329d”][vc_column_text]Based on cellular origin and histological features, the main types are:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n<\/span>The most common type. Originates from follicular cells, may affect any age group, grows slowly, has an excellent prognosis, and may require radioactive iodine therapy in select cases.<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>Less common than PTC, occurs more frequently in women over 40, and is slightly more aggressive.<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>A rare variant, 4% of cases, originating from H\u00fcrthle cells, with behavior similar to follicular carcinoma.<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>Represents 3\u20135% of cases, arises from parafollicular (C) cells that produce calcitonin, may be sporadic or hereditary, and does not respond to radioactive iodine.<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>Very rare, highly aggressive, more common in the elderly, with poor prognosis.<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>Also rare, originating from lymphocytes; often treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n<\/span>Timely and proper surgical treatment<\/b> offers <\/span>complete cure<\/b> in the vast majority of cases.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What is medullary thyroid carcinoma” tab_id=”1615976016751-0a946bcb-71fc”][vc_column_text]Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare form of thyroid cancer. It can occur spontaneously or as part of genetic syndromes such as <\/span>Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Genetic predisposition may be present mainly in <\/span>medullary thyroid cancer<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>It may involve <\/span>partial or total thyroidectomy<\/a><\/b>, often combined with neck lymph-node dissection if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>With expertise in robotic surgery and <\/span>many years of experience,<\/b> he currently serves as the Director of Endocrine Surgery at the Euroclinic Athens, where he applies advanced microsurgical techniques.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n