Thyroid Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Types & PET CT as a Diagnostic Tool

Thyroid cancer occurs when cells in the thyroid gland, an essential part of the endocrine system begin to grow uncontrollably. This gland plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature through hormone production. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment and preventing the spread of the disease. PET-CT is one of the advanced imaging techniques used to detect thyroid cancer. Specifically, PET-CT for thyroid evaluation often involves the use of Iodine-131 (I-131), a radioactive isotope that targets thyroid tissue. This allows for precise imaging of cancerous areas, helping physicians assess the extent of the disease and plan appropriate treatment. Common signs of thyroid cancer may include a hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, or swollen lymph nodes.

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer occurs in the thyroid gland which is the part of endocrine system. Thyroid cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the thyroid which leads to the formation of tumors. If these tumors are not identified early and treated they can spread to other parts of the body. Thyroid gland are situated below the neck and are butterfly like structures which is responsible for the production of hormones that control metabolism, heart rate, body temperature etc. The exact cause of the thyroid cancer is not known but there are various risk factors which can increase the chances of thyroid cancer and these include enlarged thyroid, family history, faulty genes, diet with less iodine etc.

What are the symptoms of Thyroid cancer?

There are various symptoms which are related to thyroid cancer and these symptoms include:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Loss of voice  (hoarseness)
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Persistent cough
• Neck and throat pain
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

What are the causes of Thyroid Cancer?

There is not any single significant cause of the thyroid cancer; researchers believe that there are various factors which can lead to thyroid cancer. These factors include:

• Genetic factors 
• Mutation
• RET Gene
• Radiation exposure
• Environmental exposure
• Inherited genes
• Obesity
• Iodine Deficiency
• Age of the person.

Which type of thyroid cancers that can be detected by PET CT scan?

There are different types of thyroid cancers based on the origin, stage and the involvement of thyroids. PET CT scan thyroid can detect different types of thyroid cancers like:

• Papillary Thyroid Cancer
• Follicular Thyroid Cancer
• Medullary Thyroid Cancer
• Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
• Hurthle Cell Thyroid Cancer

What can Thyroid PET CT scan show?

PET CT thyroid can show different types of thyroid cancers and also its spread. Thyroid PET is effective tool in recognizing cancer at the early stage and helps for treatment and limits the spread of the thyroid cancer. There are various conditions which can be shown by thyroid cancer and these include:

• It is used to show the type of thyroid cancer
• It is used to show the spread of thyroid cancer
• It is used to show the primary source of thyroid cancer
• It helps to detect the recurrence of thyroid cancer
• It identifies the cellular changes in thyroid cancer
• It detects any abnormal activity in thyroid cells
• It also helps to monitor the treatment of thyroid cancer
• It is also used before doing any surgery to look for the status of the thyroid cancer
• Monitoring treatment responses on thyroid cancer

How to Prepare for Thyroid PET-CT Scan?

A Thyroid PET-CT scan for detecting thyroid cancer involves the use of the radioactive tracer Iodine-131 (I-131), which specifically targets thyroid tissue. Before the procedure, a radiologist consultation is necessary to review the patient’s medical history, current medications, and any allergies to ensure the scan’s safety and accuracy. On the day of the scan, I-131 is administered intravenously, and the patient rests for about an hour to allow the tracer to accumulate in thyroid cells. The imaging process, which takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, requires the patient to remain still for optimal image clarity. The full procedure, including preparation and scanning, usually takes up to 2 hours and provides critical information for diagnosing and managing thyroid cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PET-CT is a valuable and reliable diagnostic tool for detecting thyroid cancer, allowing for early and accurate identification of the disease. Early detection is crucial, as thyroid cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of cells in the thyroid gland, which can form tumors and potentially spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. While the exact cause of thyroid cancer remains unclear, genetic mutations, iodine deficiency and family history are believed to play a significant role. Common symptoms include neck pain, swelling or redness around the thyroid, palpable lumps, and in some cases, difficulty with swallowing. PET-CT scans can help identify various types of thyroid malignancies, and a doctor may recommend this imaging test when clinical signs point to possible thyroid cancer. Prompt diagnosis through advanced imaging like PET-CT greatly enhances treatment outcomes and patient prognosis.