Thyroid cancer on the rise in Kerala

KOCHI: Data compiled in the last 10 years indicates a significant increase in the prevalence of thyroid cancer in the state. As per Amrita Institute’s cancer registry, as many as 8,586 diagnosed thyroid cancers would require medical attention and services in a year in the state while there will be 2,862 newly diagnosed female thyroid cancer patients every year in the coming decade.   

As many as 2,480 cases of thyroid cancers have been reported in 2013 and 2014 while 1,064 newly diagnosed cases were also reported in these years. “The key challenges in diagnosis are the availability of trained and skilled healthcare professionals to perform neck ultrasound and fine needle aspiration cytology test in small thyroid nodules which may harbour early thyroid cancer,” said Dr P. Shanmuga Sundaram, clinical professor, department of nuclear medicine and PETCT, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi.

“The shortage of thyroid specific cytopathologists in the state also is a problem. Though there are numerous standard diagnostic labs and experts, most of them are located in cities and big towns.” A well trained cytopathologist can help the surgeon in taking the most proper decision regarding the need for surgery and the nature of the procedure, he pointed out.

Highlighting the need for early detection and awareness of the disease, he said that thyroid cancer, if diagnosed and treated early, could be cured. Patients need to get their neck checked for Goiter. Though the exact cause of thyroid cancer remains unknown, the common symptoms of the disease include a lump or thyroid nodule in the neck, difficulties in swallowing, throat or neck pain, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and persistent cough and changes in the voice.