Tumor cell markers—Many tumors produce proteins that are measured in the blood to show tumor growth and treatment success. They can be used to help decide how to treat a tumor. Two examples are AFP and beta human chorionic gonadotropin (bhCG). Stage—A child whose tumor has spread to different parts of the body requires more treatment. Age at diagnosis—Patients older than 12–15 years have a poorer outcome than younger patients.
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.
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