Thyroid cancer is the 8th most common cancer in the United States. There are 62,000 new cases diagnosed each year according to NCI data.

What makes the thyroid so important to the body?

It is important because it plays a big role in the metabolism, growth as well as the development of the human body.

Location of the thyroid gland

It is located in neck. It has has a butterfly-shape gland hat sits low on the front of the neck. It lies below the Adam's apple along the front of the windpipe.

The thyroid is surrounded by two fibrous capsules. The outer capsule is connected to the voice box muscles and many other important vessels and nerves. The thin layer between the inner and outer capsule allow the thyroid to move and change position when we drink or swallow.

How does the thyroid work?

The thyroid produces a thyroid hormone which regulates the body's metabolism, heartbeat, temperature ect, which reaches out to every single cell in your body.

Thyroid Cancer is Cancer of the gland in front of the neck that normally produces thyroid hormone.

What is thyroid cancer?

How does the thyroid affect other body systems?

Having thyroid cancer can affect other body systems such as the lungs, Liver and bones.

An example is hypothyroidism. It means the gland does not make enough hormones. When one has hypothyroidism it can affect your metabolism, mental functions, energy level and bowel movements

Hormone imbalances

Hormone balances

Hyperthyroidism is another example of a hormone balance. Hyperthyroidism is when the gland makes to many hormones.

Major types of thyroid cancer

There are four major types of thyroid cancer. There is papillary, follicular carcinoma, medullary, and anapestic thyroid cancer.

Papillary Cancer

Papillary cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer arises from follicular cells which then produces and stores the thyroid hormones.

Age group that can be affected?

Anyone can get Papillary cancer. It is more common in adults than children. Adults that are 30-50 years old can have a possibility of having thyroid cancer.

what are some signs/ symptoms of papillary cancer?

Some signs include:

• lump in neck that you can see or feel



• hard time swallowing whether its pain or finding food hard to swallow.

Signs/ symptoms continued

sore throat or hoarseness that does not go away

swollen lymph node in the neck

trouble breathing especially when you lay down.