India follows China in the second position with regards to having the most thyroid cancer patients and is fourth on the global thyroid cancer index. An increasing number of patients are being detected with thyroid cancer, especially women. The reason for this is unknown.
With regards to thyroid cancer, no symptoms are visible or detected in the early stages but with the spread of the disease; the patient will notice changes in the voice, weight loss, and difficulty in breathing or swallowing. The earliest symptom of thyroid cancer would be a swelling seen in the lower part of the front of the neck. Fortunately, thyroid cancer is curable in most of the cases.
There is an impending need to raise awareness of thyroid cancer, especially the reasons causing it and the symptoms. Keeping this scenario in mind, Dr Sandeep Nayak, the leading surgical oncologist in India of MACS Clinic, attempts to clear various myths related to thyroid and its diseases.
What are the symptoms of thyroid disease?
The levels of the thyroid determine the thyroid disease. For instance, an overactive thyroid condition is known as hyperthyroidism, and its symptoms are rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, tremors, and increased sensitivity to heat. On the other hand, an underactive thyroid condition is known as hypothyroidism, and its symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, depression, and cold intolerance.
What causes thyroid disease?
Various factors that cause thyroid disease are genetic predisposition, iodine deficiency, autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease, inflammation of the thyroid gland, radiation exposure, and certain medications.
How is thyroid disease diagnosed?
Doctors recommend special blood tests that measure thyroid hormone levels viz. TSH, T3, T4, and some antibodies. If required, ultrasound imaging and special scans are performed to identify the thyroid disorders correctly.
What are the treatment options for thyroid disease?
The type and nature of thyroid disease determines its treatment. Medications, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery are suggested for hyperthyroidism, while hypothyroidism is treated with specially manufactured synthetic thyroid hormone replacement medication.
What are the side effects of thyroid medication?
Generally, thyroid medications are well tolerated by most patients. However, some patients can experience headaches, palpitations, and fluctuations in appetite levels which can be addressed by changing the dosage and the medication.
When is thyroid surgery recommended?
Thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure performed to remove the thyroid gland. Doctors suggest thyroid gland removal to treat malignancy, benign disease, or conditions that do not respond well to medicines. Generally, oncologists recommend Thyroidectomy to treat thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism refractory to medical therapy, and symptomatic benign thyroid goiter.
What are the types of thyroidectomies?
Doctors perform partial thyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy, depending upon the condition of the patient. Partial thyroidectomy removes one-half of the thyroid gland, while isthmusectomy is a procedure in which the thyroid tissue between two lobes is removed. Isthmusectomy is performed to remove small tumors detected within the two lobes.
A total thyroidectomy is performed to remove nearly all or most of the thyroid tissue.
How long does it take to recover from thyroid surgery?
The type of thyroidectomy performed determines the recovery period. In our experience, patients who have undergone robotic thyroidectomies by RABIT recover faster and well as compared to patients who have undergone open or conventional thyroidectomy procedures.
Recovery time can vary from a few weeks to a few months as it includes time taken to adjust to the thyroid hormone replacement medications.
Can thyroid disease cause weight gain?
Patients with hypothyroidism experience weight gain due to slowed metabolism as excess salt and water are accumulated in the body. Overall, 5 – 10 pounds of excess body weight can be considered due to thyroid, depending upon the level of hypothyroidism.
Can thyroid disease cause hair loss?
Hair loss can be an indicator of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The hair loss can be widespread across the whole scalp rather than being located in a single section. Patients with thyroid conditions display sparse hair growth. Once the patients begin their thyroid treatment, the hair regrows.
Is thyroid disease hereditary?
Thyroid disease can be genetic, i.e., run from generations, but issues in the immune system, lifestyle, and environmental factors also play a key role in such patients.
Can thyroid disease affect fertility?
Yes, people trying to conceive should check the functioning of their thyroid gland and seek suitable treatment, especially for those detected with hypothyroidism, as it impacts their fertility.
What is the difference between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism involves an overactive thyroid gland, leading to increased metabolism and symptoms like weight loss and anxiety. Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
Can thyroid disease cause depression or anxiety?
Yes, thyroid imbalances can lead to states of symptoms of depression and anxiety. They also cause mood swings.
Can thyroid disease cause heart problems?
Thyroid imbalances affect heart functioning. Patients with hyperthyroidism are detected with a rapid heartbeat and a high risk of arrhythmias while those with hypothyroidism have high cholesterol levels and are likely to be affected with heart disease.
What is the cure for thyroid disease?
Treatment of thyroid disease focuses on managing the symptoms and normalizing the hormone levels. As per the patient’s response to the medication, the thyroid condition is resolved or well managed or requires lifelong management.
What lifestyle changes do you suggest to manage the thyroid condition?
Managing thyroid conditions requires a diet with adequate quantities of iodine and selenium, stress management, and regular exercise. Thyroid medicine should be taken as per the doctor’s recommendation for a suggested period or for a lifetime. It is essential to undergo regular checkups of the thyroid level and adjust its medication accordingly.
About Dr. Sandeep Nayak
Dr. Sandeep Nayak is credited with having developed the RABIT (Robotic Assisted Breast Axillo Insufflate Thyroidectomy), a robotic surgery that is a viable replacement for open thyroid surgery. He states, ‘RABIT is a less scar surgical procedure most suitable for removal of thyroid tumor. I use the robotic platform to make small incisions of 8 mm and perform the entire surgery from that. The outcome of RABIT is far better than that delivered through an open conventional thyroid surgery. The best part is that the patient experiences minimal trauma and faster recovery.
As one of the leading surgical oncologists, Dr Sandeep Nayak offers evidence-based treatment protocols to his patients. He emphasizes laparoscopic and minimally invasive approaches to treat various types of cancer.
He is the Founder-Director of the MACS clinic in Bangalore and also the Senior Director and Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology at Fortis Hospital, Bangalore
Contact details:
Address
MACS Clinic,
No. 96/A /9/1, 42nd cross,
3rd Main, 8th BIock,
Jayanagar Bengaluru – 560 070
Phone Nos: +91 9482202240, +91 9482202010
