Thyroid Cancer in Young Adults
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck. It is one of the rarest types of cancer in young adults, but it can still occur.
Incidence
Thyroid cancer is relatively rare in young adults. According to the American Cancer Society, only 4.1% of all thyroid cancer cases occur in people between the ages of 15 and 29. The incidence is higher in women than in men and more likely to occur in Asian Americans than in other racial and ethnic groups.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of thyroid cancer in young adults is unknown, but certain factors may increase the risk. These include having a family history of thyroid cancer, radiation exposure, and certain genetic disorders such as Cowden syndrome and Gardner syndrome.
Symptoms
Young adults with thyroid cancer may experience a variety of symptoms, including a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and a persistent cough. In some cases, the cancer may be asymptomatic.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If a young adult is suspected of having thyroid cancer, they will need to undergo a series of diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound, a biopsy, and a blood test. Treatment options will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, but may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Outlook
Thyroid cancer in young adults is typically treatable, and the prognosis is usually good. The five-year survival rate for patients with localized thyroid cancer is 97%, and the ten-year survival rate is 95%. However, it is important to note that prognosis can vary widely depending on the type and stage of the cancer.