Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. There are several types of thyroid cancer, each with different characteristics, treatments, and prognoses.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

 

1. Papillary Thyroid Cancer
• Prevalence : Most common type, accounting for about 80% of cases.
• Growth : Slow-growing.
• Prognosis : Generally has an excellent prognosis with a high cure rate, especially in younger patients.

2. Follicular Thyroid Cancer
• Prevalence : Second most common type, making up about 10-15% of cases.
• Growth : Can be more aggressive than papillary cancer.
• Prognosis : Good prognosis, but slightly less favorable than papillary cancer.

3. Medullary Thyroid Cancer
• Prevalence : Accounts for about 3-4% of thyroid cancers.
• Origin : Arises from the parafollicular cells (C cells) that produce calcitonin.
• Genetics : Can be sporadic or inherited (familial medullary thyroid cancer).
• Prognosis : Prognosis varies and is generally more challenging to treat than papillary and follicular cancers.

4. Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
• Prevalence: Rare, accounting for less than 2% of thyroid cancers.
• Growth: Very aggressive and fast-growing.
• Prognosis: Poor prognosis due to its aggressive nature and resistance to treatment.

1. Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, originates in the stomach’s lining. It’s often diagnosed in later stages due to vague early symptoms like indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, certain dietary habits (such as high salt and smoked foods), and genetic predisposition. Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy, imaging tests, and biopsy. Treatment options depend on the stage and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. Early detection is crucial for better outcomes.

 

2. Small Bowel Cancer
Small bowel cancer, or small intestine cancer, is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the small intestine, the part of the gastrointestinal tract that connects the stomach to the large intestine. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and blood in the stool. Risk factors include Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome, and a diet high in red and processed meats. Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests, endoscopy, and biopsy. Treatment options often include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Early detection is essential for improving survival rates.

Ovary Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are the female reproductive glands where eggs are produced. It is known for being difficult to detect in its early stages and is often diagnosed at a later stage when it has already spread to other parts of the pelvis and abdomen.

Overview
Types of Ovarian Cancer:
• Epithelial Tumors: Most common type, arising from the cells on the surface of the ovary.
• Germ Cell Tumors: Rare, arising from the cells that produce eggs.
• Stromal Tumors: Also rare, arising from the structural tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce female hormones.

Symptoms:
• Bloating or swelling of the abdomen
• Quickly feeling full when eating
• Weight loss
• Discomfort in the pelvis area
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Frequent need to urinate

Risk Factors:
• Age (most common in women over 50)
• Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
• Genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2)
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Endometriosis

Uterus Cancer

Overview
Uterus cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, primarily affects the lining of the uterus (endometrium). It is the most common type of cancer of the female reproductive organs.

Types of Uterus Cancer
• Endometrial Carcinoma: The most common type, originating in the endometrial lining.
• Uterine Sarcoma: A rarer type that starts in the muscles or other tissues in the uterus.

Risk Factors
• Age: Most common in women over 50.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Especially estrogen-only therapy.
• Obesity: Excess fat can alter hormone balance.
• Menstrual History: Early menstruation or late menopause increases risk.
• Reproductive History: Never being pregnant.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Can cause hormonal imbalances.
• Genetics: Family history of uterine or colorectal cancer.
• Diet and Exercise: Poor diet and lack of physical activity.
• Tamoxifen: Use of this breast cancer drug.

If you are into mouthwash, frequently swilling it around your mouth, then you could be exposing yourself to a higher risk of cancer. According to new Belgian research published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology recently, test subjects who used mouthwash daily for three months reported greater concentrations of two bacteria — Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus — both of which have been linked to cancer.

“For years mouthwashes have been thought to cause cancer because of their alcohol content, which is known to erode the lining of oral cavities, destroy the good bacteria and making it more prone to harmful attacks by bad bacteria and chemicals,” says Dr Anil D Cruz, Director, Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres.

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. If left unchecked, the tumours can spread throughout the body and become fatal.

Breast cancer cells begin inside the milk ducts and/or the milk-producing lobules of the breast. The earliest form (in situ) is not life-threatening and can be detected in early stages. Cancer cells can spread into nearby breast tissue (invasion). This creates tumours that cause lumps or thickening.

Invasive cancers can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs (metastasize). Metastasis can be life-threatening and fatal.