Thyroid Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Overview: What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer affects the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck that controls metabolism, heart rhythm, and other vital bodily functions. This gland releases thyroid hormone, which helps regulate body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. While many thyroid tumors are curable and slow-growing, early detection and skilled care are essential for the best results. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, understanding your options is the first step towards effective treatment. Denvax uses modern immunotherapy and customized treatment options to improve prognosis and quality of life.  

What are the types of Thyroid Cancer?

Papillary: It is a slow-growing cancer that accounts for up to 80% of thyroid cancer. Although papillary thyroid cancer frequently spreads to lymph nodes in the neck, it responds favorably to treatment. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is extremely treatable and rarely deadly. 

Follicular: accounts for ~15% of thyroid cancer. This cancer is more likely to spread to your bones and organs, including your lungs. Metastatic cancer (cancer that spreads) may be more difficult to manage. 

Medullary: Medullary carcinoma accounts for ~2% of all thyroid cancers. A percentage of those diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma had a family history of the disease. A defective gene (genetic mutation) could be to blame. 

Anaplastic: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is the most difficult to treat. It grows quickly and frequently spreads to surrounding tissue and other parts of the body. Responsible for ~2% of thyroid cancer. 

Here is the summary below in tabular form;

TypePrevalenceCharacteristicsSpread & Prognosis(outlook)
Papillary~80%Slow-growing; most common typeOften spreads to the neck lymph nodes, but is highly treatable and rarely fatal
Follicular~15%Slightly more aggressive than papillaryCan spread to lungs and bones; harder to manage if metastatic
Medullary~2%May be inherited; linked to genetic mutationsRequires genetic testing; prognosis depends on early detection
Anaplastic~2%Rare, aggressive, and fast-growingSpreads quickly; very difficult to treat

What are the Thyroid Cancer symptoms?

  • A painless lump or swelling in the neck.
  • Trouble swallowing or breathing
  • hoarseness or voice changes
  • Neck or throat ache.
  • Persistent cough, not caused by a cold.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Thyroid Cancer?

Some of the factors that can increase the risk of thyroid cancer are:-

  • Thyroid cancer is more common in women than men. The peak incidence typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 50.
  • Enlarged thyroid (goiter).
  • Family history of thyroid cancer.
  • Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland).
  • Gene mutations (changes) include multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) and type 2B (MEN2B) syndrome.
  • Low iodine consumption.
  • Obesity (high BMI).
  • Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, particularly in children.

Diagnosis and Test: How to Diagnose Thyroid Cancer?

Here are some of the tests for thyroid Cancer diagnosis:- 

Thyroid Profile Test—A blood test that helps assess thyroid functioning. 

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy- It is a biopsy technique in which tissue samples from the thyroid region are extracted for testing, or with Ultrasound(US- FNAB) that uses Ultrasound to guide the needle to the thyroid nodule with a high level of accuracy. 

Radioiodine Scan—This test can detect thyroid cancer and show whether it has spread in A tablet containing a safe dose of radioactive iodine is taken and absorbed over several hours. Then the amount of radiation in the gland is measured using a special tool. Less radioactive areas require additional testing to confirm the presence of cancer. 

Neck Ultrasound—identifies abnormal nodules and lumps near the neck region. 

Imaging Tests—Radioactive iodine scans, computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can all detect thyroid cancer and its spread. 

Molecular Testing—Analyze the genetic material by taking out the tissue from the affected region to identify the mutation or alteration that can indicate the presence of thyroid cancer

Management and Treatment: How to Manage and Treat Thyroid Cancer?

Below is the summary for thyroid cancer treatment in tabular form:

TreatmentDescriptionWhen It's Typically Used
SurgeryIt involves removing part (lobectomy) or all (thyroidectomy) of the thyroid, along with affected lymph nodes.Used for most thyroid cancers, especially when the tumor is localized or causing compression.
Radioiodine TherapyInvolves swallowing radioactive iodine to destroy remaining thyroid tissue and cancer cells.Often used after surgery for papillary or follicular thyroid cancer to eliminate residual disease.
Radiation TherapyUses external or internal radiation to kill cancer cells and prevent growth.Typically used when cancer does not respond to radioiodine or recurs, especially in older patients.
ChemotherapyAdministered orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells and slow growth.Rarely used; may be considered for advanced or anaplastic thyroid cancer not responsive to other treatments.
Hormone TherapySuppresses the production of TSH, a hormone that can stimulate cancer cell growth.Given after thyroidectomy to prevent recurrence and replace normal hormone function.
ImmunotherapyBoosts the body's immune system to attack cancer cells with fewer side effects.May be used in advanced, aggressive, or treatment-resistant thyroid cancers under clinical trials.

What is the thyroid cancer survival rate?

The majority of thyroid cancers have an excellent survival rate of up to 100% when treated locally. Even after spreading, papillary and follicular types have over 60% survival, whereas medullary decreases to 40%, and anaplastic remains at 4%.

Denvax Immunotherapy for thyroid cancer

Immunotherapy is an emerging area of cancer care that helps activate the body’s immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. It is gaining recognition as a supportive option in more complex or advanced situations. At Denvax, we specialize in Dendritic cell-based immunotherapy, which is designed to

  • Strengthen the immune system’s natural response against cancer cells
  • Reduce dependency on harsh treatments like chemotherapy.
  • Precisely Target cancer while causing minimal damage to healthy tissues
  • Support long-term disease control and improve overall well-being.

How is Denvax manufactured?

StepDescriptionTimeline
Blood CollectionA blood sample was collected from the patient.Day 0
Cell Isolation & CultureMonocytes mature into dendritic cellsDays 1–8
Antigen Loading & ActivationCells trained to detect tumor antigensDays 8–10
Denvax Vaccine PreparationMature dendritic cells packagedDay 10
First Dose AdministeredThe vaccine was injected into the patientDay 10
Booster DosesAs per the doctor's adviceOngoing

Why Choose Denvax?

Advanced Dendritic Cell Therapy  An Advanced Immunotherapy method that employs your immune cells to target and destroy tumors while causing minimal side effects. 

Expertise in Rare and Advanced Cancers  We provide specialized care for cancers that are aggressive and difficult to treat. 

Personalized Care  A team of cancer specialists creates a customized plan for each patient. 

Holistic Support Comprehensive care that includes nourishment, pain relief, and emotional counseling. 

Patient-Centric approach We value your comfort, dignity, and long-term health. 

Proven Results Thousands of people have put their trust in our successful, science-driven cancer treatment. 

Thyroid Cancer: Global vs India stats

FieldGlobal (2022)India (2022)
New cases821,214 new case reported ⟶ (Global Cancer Observatory, PubMed)1 in 285 women & 1 in 752 men have a lifetime risk; incidence rising, especially in urban areas
Deaths47,507 (reported deaths), ~83% aged 55+; women ASMR 0.53 vs men 0.35 (/100k)India has a high death rate (about 5793 in 2022) and a growing burden.
Age and Gender~65% of women under 55 Men 4.6 vs. ASIR 13.6 (/100k) female-to-male ~3:1Peak around 40 years in women; female-to-male ~3–4:1
HotspotsASIR ~10× higher in high-HDI countries; e.g., US women: 18.3/100kHighest in Kerala, Sikkim, Nagaland, Goa; Kerala registry shows sharp rise
Rural vs UrbanUrban (high-screening) → much higher incidenceUrban India shows overdiagnosis; rural areas are less impacted
5-year SurvivalPapillary: ~98% survive 5 yearsLikely similar in cities; national data lacking; urban Kerala reports high survival
Key SubtypesPapillary (~80%), follicular, medullarySame subtype distribution; papillary surge seen in urban areas

Quick Notes

  • Thyroid cancer is on the rise worldwide, particularly among young women under the age of 55.
  • With higher rates in urban states like Kerala, Goa, and Sikkim, India follows worldwide trends.
  • Female cases outnumber male cases by 3–4 times. With a high 5-year survival rate (~98%), papillary thyroid cancer is the most prevalent subtype.
  • Urban India shows higher diagnosis rates, likely due to better screening and easier access to healthcare.

Success Stories

Denvax Immunotherapy | Inspiring Patient Stories by Dr. Jamal & Dr. Sharmin Real patients and Denvax’s founders share how dendritic cell immunotherapy offered renewed hope, even in complex cancer cases.

Denvax Cancer Treatment | Real Patient Experience A detailed patient journey, from diagnosis to recovery, highlighting the emotional and physical transformation during Denvax treatment.

Denvax Cancer Immunotherapy | Success Story with Dr. Jamal Khan Patients speak about improved outcomes, minimal side effects, and personalized care central to the Denvax approach.

When to see a doctor?

  • You discover a lump or swelling in your neck.
  • You have persistent hoarseness, vocal changes, or trouble speaking.
  • You have difficulty swallowing and breathing.
  • You get a persistent neckache.
  • You notice unexplained changes in weight, tiredness, or rapid heartbeat.
  • You have a family history of thyroid cancer or thyroid dysfunction.

What Questions should I ask my Provider?

  • Which sort of thyroid cancer do I have, and how aggressive is it?
  • Has the cancer moved beyond my thyroid?
  • What are the best therapy choices for my condition?
  • What are the risks and side effects of the recommended treatments?
  • Will I require lifetime thyroid hormone replacement therapy?
  • Is my thyroid cancer hereditary? Should my family seek genetic testing?
  • What are the possibilities of the cancer returning?
  • Am I at a higher risk for other types of cancer?
  • What type of follow-up care or regular monitoring will I require?
  • What symptoms or consequences should I look for following treatment?

Prevention: How to Prevent Thyroid Cancer?

Even though some thyroid cancers, particularly those brought on by genetic factors, cannot be prevented, there are a few things you may do to lower your risk. 

Healthy Lifestyle Decisions Thyroid cancer risk can be decreased by eating a well-balanced, antioxidant-rich diet, exercising frequently, and quitting smoking. 

Family history. If your family history includes thyroid cancer or genetic disorders such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN), you should seek genetic counseling and early screening. 

Get regular thyroid checkups. Routine physical exams and thyroid function testing can help discover anomalies early, especially if you are in a high-risk category. 

Maintain a healthy iodine intake. Iodine is required for thyroid function; consume iodized salt and maintain a healthy diet. 

Keep an eye on thyroid nodules. Make sure you have regular ultrasound and biopsy evaluations for any thyroid nodules you may have, particularly if they grow or change in nature. 

Prevent Exposure to Carcinogens Minimize exposure to environmental pollutants or specific compounds that could interfere with endocrine function. 

Review iodine needs If you live in a region where iodine deficiency is common, talk to your doctor about iodine supplements. Low iodine levels can raise the risk of thyroid problems, including cancer.

Frequently asked questions

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What are the most prevalent symptoms of thyroid cancer?

A painless lump or swelling in the neck is frequently the first visible symptom.

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Is thyroid cancer curable?

Yes, especially in the early stages. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers have high cure rates.

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Can thyroid cancer affect my voice?

Yes. Depending on the surgery and location of the tumor, there may be temporary or rarely permanent voice changes. Working with experienced surgeons minimizes this risk.

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How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

Neck ultrasound, fine needle aspiration biopsy, and blood tests are used to determine the diagnosis.

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Does thyroid cancer spread?

Yes, if left untreated, it can extend to lymph nodes, lungs, or bones, particularly in the later stages

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How can Denvax Immunotherapy help in thyroid cancer?

Denvax’s advanced dendritic cell therapy can strengthen the immune system's ability to target and destroy cancer cells, especially in recurrent or advanced cases, while minimizing side effects.

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Will I need to take medication after thyroid surgery?

If the entire thyroid gland is removed, you will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal metabolism and hormone levels.

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