22 Aug 2024
Thyroid Cancer: What You Need to Know
The article provides an overview of thyroid cancer, emphasizing that while it is relatively uncommon, with a lifetime risk of 0.8% for women and 0.3% for men, its incidence is gradually increasing by about 4% per year. Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant endocrine tumor, although it accounts for only about 1% of all malignancies. The majority of thyroid cancers are of the follicular or papillary types, which are generally treatable with high survival rates. The article notes that in Saudi Arabia, thyroid cancer has become the second most common cancer among women, largely due to increased awareness and screening efforts.
The article explains the typical presentation of thyroid cancer as a painless thyroid nodule and stresses the importance of early detection through cytological or histological evaluation. It also discusses the risks associated with radiation exposure, particularly in childhood, which can significantly increase the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer. The article concludes by highlighting that SSH (a hospital in the region) is a leading center for the treatment of thyroid cancer, offering world-class care in line with international treatment guidelines.