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Thyroid cancer

A form of cancer that has been on the rise for the last 30 years

Medicine > ENT - thyroid gland > Disorders > Thyroid cancer

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Medicine > ENT - thyroid gland > Disorders > Thyroid cancer

THYROID CANCER: A FORM OF CANCER THAT HAS BEEN ON THE RISE FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, occurring in 5 to 10 percent of thyroid nodules and recording an increase in the last 30 years.

This form of cancer affects women more often than men and can be diagnosed at any age. Risk factors include radiation exposure and a family history of thyroid cancer.

THYROID TUMORS AND THYROID CANCER

Primary thyroid tumors are formations that arise from the autonomous growth of a single thyroid cell, and depending on the biological potential, they can be benign (good) or malignant (malignant).

Malignant thyroid tumors are also called thyroid cancer. Unlike benign tumors, malignant thyroid tumors pose a challenge in diagnosis and therapy, often occur in the younger population (between 20 and 60 years of age) and are often associated with genetic changes, indicating a hereditary component.

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the endocrine system. Despite the steady increase in the number of cases, mortality has not increased proportionally, and the disease is diagnosed 3-4 times more often in women than in men.

The symptoms of thyroid cancer are usually not pronounced, except for the presence of a lump in the neck. This lump can be a nodule in the thyroid gland or an enlarged lymph node containing cancer cells.

Some nodules in the thyroid gland cannot be detected by standard examination, but are diagnosed through a targeted cytological puncture under ultrasound supervision. Cancerous nodules in the thyroid gland can sometimes spread to surrounding structures, causing changes in voice such as hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.

TYPES OF MALIGNANT TUMORS

Malignant thyroid tumors can be divided according to types, with the most common being papillary and follicular carcinoma, while medullary, anaplastic carcinoma, Hürtl’s carcinoma, primary lymphoma and primary thyroid sarcoma occur extremely rarely.

  1. Papillary carcinoma:
    • It accounts for about 80% of all thyroid cancers.
    • It most often occurs between the ages of 30 and 40.
    • It develops slowly, with the best prognosis.
    • Sometimes it also occurs in a family form.
    • It metastasizes to the lymph nodes of the neck and distant parts of the body (5% – 10% of cases).
  2. Follicular carcinoma:
    • It accounts for about 10% of thyroid cancer cases.
    • It usually occurs after the age of 40.
    • It is characterized by a higher incidence of metastatic spread compared to papillary carcinoma.
    • It is a subtype of Hürtl’s cell carcinoma.
  3. Medullary carcinoma:
    • It accounts for about 5% of malignant thyroid tumors.
    • It is characterized by excessive production of the hormone calcitonin.
    • It can occur sporadically or hereditarily as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia-2 (MEN2) syndrome.
  4. Anaplastic carcinoma:
    • It covers 1% – 2% of all malignant thyroid tumors.
    • It occurs almost exclusively in old age.
    • It is characterized by an aggressive clinical course, rapid growth and spread, locally and distantly.

DIAGNOSING THYROID CANCER

The initial diagnosis in patients with thyroid cancer is usually made by a radiologist after cytological treatment of the node in the thyroid gland using a fine needle and under ultrasound control.

When the diagnosis of thyroid cancer is established, further evaluations using radiographic methods follow. This includes high-resolution ultrasound of the thyroid gland and neck, and/or precise CT scans of the thyroid gland and the entire neck area.

These additional assessments help determine the extent of the disease, determine the presence of metastases, and plan the optimal therapeutic approach.

TREATMENT OF THYROID CANCER

Thyroid cancer surgery has traditionally been associated with a higher rate of complications, including injury to the recurrent (return) nerve that innervates the larynx, compared to surgery for benign thyroid disease.

Our surgeons, with expertise in head surgery techniques, thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, thyroid gland and surrounding lymph nodes, are well prepared for demanding cases. Extensive experience and the use of monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve allow us to perform these complex procedures with minimal risk of complications.

Direct cooperation with the endocrinologist before and after surgery allows for coordinated care of the patient.

In the case of confirmed thyroid cancer, surgery usually involves the removal of the entire thyroid gland, sometimes the lymph nodes. Since this is an extensive surgical procedure that can take anywhere from two to four hours, the patient usually stays overnight in the hospital.

After surgery, pain is usually controlled with analgesics, and patients quickly restore normal speech, nutrition, and breathing functions.

After surgery, the doctor will review the pathological finding and work with the endocrinologist to recommend further treatment, including radioactive iodine therapy as directed by the endocrinologist. This therapy usually has a limited duration and rarely causes side effects after completion.

Standard therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy are rarely needed, usually only in more aggressive forms of cancer. Our experts are not only experienced in the surgical treatment of thyroid cancer, but also in postoperative treatment. We will provide support and guidance through this period, collaborating with other specialists as needed.

Although the prognosis for most thyroid cancers is extremely good, regular monitoring by surgeons and endocrinologists is necessary in the long term.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN EXAMINATION

Our main goal at the LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with a top-notch health service.

That is why we have gathered a team of top experts, specialists and subspecialists who are the backbone of our multidisciplinary centers and specialist clinics.

Our goal is to achieve a safe and long-term good result through a successful diagnosis and selection of individual treatment, with timely monitoring of the patient.

In order to maintain the high quality of our medical services, we strive to be always available to our clients.

For a consultation and examination with our expert team, you can contact us by phone at +3851 2444-646 or via our online form. Opening hours for orders are Monday to Friday 10:15 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.

Your experts

The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.

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Doc.dr.sc. Boris Filipović, dr.med.

otolaryngologist, subspecialist in head and neck plastic surgery, FEBORL-HNS, IBCFPRS

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What do our patients say about us?

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J.Lj.

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I did rhinoplasty along with face tight treatment and the results were more than satisfactory. The guys (Boris and Peter) did everything at the same time, very professionally and in the shortest possible timeframe. I was out of tampons in 2 days, and my bruise recovery does not take longer than 7 days. Very gentle approach. Without unnecessary arrivals, with kind and friendly staff and arranging payments where flexibility was at an enviable level, the impression of service in this clinic is for every recommendation. Of course, I don’t even have to mention that my breathing is better now than before, and my facial skin is smooth and tight without any invasive method. Guys, you are the best. :)

A.P.

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I had unwittingly been suffering from hypopnea for nearly a decade. I did some research and I selected this clinic because it was located in a country where I have many friends. I had already been treated for this by a different physician in Canada, a surgery was done in my nose to remove an obstruction and believed it was better, but I was wrong. The Canadian doctor proposed dealing with the problem by CPAP or further surgeries. Their solution was to remove the first obstacle they find, see if that helps, if not, then remove the next obstacle etc. I had been using caffeine to stay awake, but my physical and mental performance was severely impacted by chronic sleep deprivation. At my first meeting, I was surprised to actually meet Dr. Filipovic, I presumed I would be looked after by an associate Doctor. I explained my suspicions and situation and told him, I do not want to go through multiple procedures to find one that worked. He listened, looked into my nose and proposed that I schedule and undergo a general anaesthesia, where he would be able to insert a camera and record what happens when I actually sleep. In addition I took home a wearable monitor for the night. After these diagnotics, it was found that a mandibular advancement device or CPAP would work for me. CPAP is not good for me because my young children would tear it apart. I had to leave Croatia earlier than planned, when I told his team. They moved heaven and earth to rush the casting, production and shipping of the device to me in Canada. Once I arrived here, his dentist responded to my emails to ensure I had proper guidance on how to adjust and use the device. It works wonderfully and with the clarity of thought that comes from regular sleep, I realized I should have a backup mandibular advancement device made, to use if my device is destroyed by my children. His team again did a wonderful job of using the casting I sent back to produce a 2nd set and ship it to Canada. I have tested the second device for a week now and it works as well as the first. I would highly recommend this team for their professional, courteous and effective effort. If, time & money allows and vanity demands, I would go to this team for a rhinoplasty in the future. Thank you all for improving my quality of life and work performance.

M.K.

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For so long I was dissatisfied with the breathing and the appearance of my nose. Of course the first step was to google rhinoplasty and read comments on forums of the people who did it in Croatia. That did not help because the amount of negative experiences only scared me. But I also read that the most important thing is to find a great surgeon so I finally went to meet with dr. Filipović. I met him, he explained the procedure and answered all my questions. On that first meeting I felt so confident that I even reserved a date for my surgery. Finally in November 2020 I had septorhinoplasty performed by dr. Filipović. They arranged that I stayed in the clinic for one day after the procedure. That really meant a lot, and I'm grateful for that. Recovery went fast and well, I almost had no bruising at all. I'm quite sensitive, so I felt some pain in the first 3 days after, but nothing too bad. It is now 2 months post-op and I look and feel better than ever. The result looks really natural, and it fits my face perfectly. The only regret that I have is that I didn’t do it sooner. Dr. Filipović is a miracle worker, and I will forever be grateful to him and his team.

M.G.

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I've done plasma skin regeneration and skin boosting treatment there. Clinic is beautiful, stuff is very friendly, young and with great knowledge and experience. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking high quality in every aspect. Thank you!

M.S.

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A month ago, I was on a lip lift with Dr. Filipović. The result is fantastic, as was the experience of consultation and surgery. The doctor and nurses are professional and approachable and inspire confidence. The lip lift turned out great and looks natural, but it's a big enough change that it affected the look of the whole face. The swelling subsided after about a week, and the scar under the nose is visible a month later, but it is not overly conspicuous.
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