Health & Wellness

Where does Thyroid Cancer Spread to First?

The thyroid gland, a tiny nodule shaped like a butterfly in the neck, is where thyroid cancer typically starts. Although thyroid cancer is frequently curable, it can spread to other parts of the body if it is not treated or a more severe type of disease.

Metastasis is the term for spreading cancer to other body parts, which can complicate treatment and raise the risk of complications. The common locations where thyroid cancer might spread will be discussed in this article, along with the warning signs and symptoms of metastasis.

In This Article

What is Thyroid Cancer and how does it spread?

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that generates hormones that control the body’s metabolism, is where thyroid cancer typically develops.

When abnormal thyroid gland cells grow and divide rapidly, a tumour, often a mass or lump is created. If untreated, the tumour, which may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), could spread to other body parts.

Thyroid cancer can spread (metastasize) to surrounding lymph nodes in the neck and other organs such as the liver, lungs, and bones. 

The lymphatic system, a network of capillaries and nodes that helps in the body’s ability to combat infections and eliminate waste, is frequently the way thyroid cancer spreads. Although less frequent, thyroid cancer can occasionally spread to other organs through the bloodstream. 

The risk of spreading is influenced by several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s age and general health, and additional elements such as genetic abnormalities.

Where does Thyroid Cancer Spread to?

Where does thyroid cancer spread to first? When diagnosing and treating thyroid cancer, doctors will often examine the lymph nodes in the neck first to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the thyroid gland. As thyroid cancer can spread to several locations on the body, the following are the most frequent sites of spread:

Where does Thyroid Cancer Spread to

1. Lymph nodes

The lymph nodes in the neck are where thyroid cancer most frequently spreads. Thyroid cancer cells can escape the thyroid gland and migrate to adjacent lymph nodes, where they can spread and develop.

2. Lungs

Lung cancer can spread from thyroid cancer, and it usually does so at first. Nodules that the cancer cells can develop in the lungs can be seen on imaging tests like chest X-rays or CT scans.

3. Bones

Thyroid cancer can spread to bones, especially the arms and legs’ spine, pelvis, and long bones. This can cause pain and increase the risk of fractures.

4. Liver

Thyroid cancer can affect the liver and grow there, leading to enlarged liver tissue and irregular liver function tests.

5. Brain

In extremely rare circumstances, thyroid cancer can spread to the brain and result in headaches, seizures, or other neurological problems. Not all thyroid tumours spread to these locations, and the kind and stage of the malignancy influence the possibility of metastasis

Your healthcare professional can give you more details about your particular situation if thyroid cancer has been identified in you.

Symptoms of Spreading Thyroid Cancer

The spread’s site and level will indicate thyroid cancer symptoms that have affected other body organs. The following are some typical signs of thyroid cancer that has spread:

  • Neck or other body parts with enlarged lymph nodes
  • Respiratory issues or shortness of breath
  • When lung cancer has spread, one may have chest pain or bloody coughing.
  • Cancer that has spread to the bones may cause bone pain, fractures, or weakening.
  • If cancer has spread to the liver or other organs, abdominal pain or oedema may occur.
  • If cancer has spread to the brain, headaches, seizures, or other neurological symptoms may occur.

Metastatic Thyroid Cancer Survival rate

The chance of surviving metastasis thyroid cancer varies depending on the type of cancer, how far it has spread, the patient’s age and general health, and additional factors, including genetic mutations. It’s essential to remember that metastatic thyroid cancer is regarded as advanced-stage cancer and often has a worse prognosis than early-stage malignancies.

Generally, the 5-year survival rate for metastatic thyroid carcinoma ranges from around 50% to 80%, depending on the type and extent of spread. It’s crucial to remember that survival rates are based on population statistics and may not always indicate how an individual would behave.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

  1. Can Papillary Thyroid Cancer Spread
  2. Does Thyroid Cancer Spread
  3. Can Thyroid Cancer Spread quickly
  4. Is Thyroid Cancer deadly

Q. Can Papillary Thyroid Cancer Spread?

Ans- Yes, papillary thyroid cancer can migrate from the thyroid gland to other body regions. Usually, though, it develops gradually and initially targets the lymph nodes in the immediate area before moving on to other organs.

With around 80% of cases being papillary thyroid carcinoma, it is the most prevalent disease. When appropriately treated, it typically doesn’t spread quickly and can often be cured, especially when detected early. Even so, papillary thyroid cancer can occasionally become aggressive and spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, bones, and other organs.

Q. Does Thyroid Cancer Spread?

Ans- Yes, thyroid cancer can spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, bones, and thyroid gland. However, not all thyroid tumours behave similarly, and the tendency for spread varies depending on the type and stage of the tumour, among other things.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most prevalent type of thyroid cancer. It grows slowly and often spreads to adjacent lymph nodes before moving to distant organs. Medullary thyroid and anaplastic thyroid cancer are more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer that can spread quickly to other body areas.

Q. Can Thyroid Cancer Spread quickly?

Ans- Yes, thyroid cancer can spread quickly. The severity and rate of spread of thyroid carcinoma might vary. Certain thyroid cancers, including papillary thyroid cancer, normally grow slowly and have a low chance of spreading, but anaplastic thyroid cancer can be more aggressive and spread quickly.

The type and stage of the disease, the patient’s age and overall health, and additional factors, such as genetic variations, all affect the spread risk and the growth rate.

Early detection and treatment of thyroid cancer can improve results and lower the chance of metastasis. You should talk to your healthcare professional if you have thyroid cancer or are worried about it. They can give you more information and direction on monitoring your condition and treatment options.

Q. Is Thyroid Cancer deadly?

Ans- Yes, thyroid cancer can be deadly in some cases, but the prognosis for most thyroid cancer types is generally positive. 

Thyroid cancer has one of the lowest mortality rates of all cancers, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 98%. However, the prognosis depends on several variables, including the kind and stage of the disease, the patient’s age and general health, and other variables, such as genetic mutations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, thyroid cancer can spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, bones, and liver, among many other organs. Although it is less frequent in other types of thyroid cancer, the metastatic disease can happen in both papillary and follicular thyroid cancer.

Working closely with the professional team can help thyroid cancer patients monitor for metastatic symptoms and create a specialized treatment plan considering their particular requirements.

References

  1. Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Thyroid Cancer 
  2. Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma 
  3. Unusual presentation of differentiated thyroid cancer metastasis

Dr Maria

MD. Board Certified physician. Fellowship In Family Medicine UK. 8 years of medical experience in Lifestyle-related health disorders. Graduated from AIIMS – All India Institute Of Medical Science, INDIA

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