n THYROID TUMORS
What Are Thyroid Tumors? Thyroid cancers arise from the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located just below the Adam’s apple in the
front of the neck. The thyroid gland is important because it produces hormones that are necessary for many body functions and responses. Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s response to hot and cold, our energy level, and our appetite and weight. Thyroid cancer is very rare, but the cure rate is nearly 95%. There are four types of thyroid cancer based on what the cells look like under a microscope:
• papillary • follicular • medullary • anaplastic.
What Are Some of the Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer? The first and most common symptom of thyroid cancer is usually a painless lump in the neck.
What Causes Thyroid Cancer? The causes of thyroid cancers are not completely known.
What Is the Common Treatment and Outcome for Thyroid Cancer? Surgery is the first line of treatment for thyroid cancer, and it is very safe for children. During surgery, all or part of the thyroid gland will be removed. If all of the thyroid gland is removed, then the thyroid hormones will have to be replaced with daily medication. This medication will be necessary for the rest of the child’s life. A specialist called an endocrinologist will need to supervise follow-up care and hormone-replacement medications. Radioactive iodine will be used if the surgeon is unable to remove all of the thyroid cancer. Other treatments may be used if the cancer has spread to other locations in the body.
n NASOPHARYNGEAL TUMORS
What Are Nasopharyngeal Tumors? Nasopharyngeal tumors arise from the epithelial tissue in the nasopharyngeal (nose and throat) area. These tumors are most common in adults, and only 9% of nasopharyngeal tumors occur in children, most commonly between the ages of 15 and 19 years.
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