Can Children Get Thyroid Cancer?
Can Children Get Thyroid Cancer? Children can get thyroid cancer just like adults. It is rare in kids but it does happen. When a child has thyroid cancer the signs might be hard to spot at first. Parents should learn what symptoms to look for and when to see a doctor.Thyroid cancer in children often gets treated with success. Doctors will check the child’s health and may use tests or treatments that help many kids get better. Families need not lose hope because there are good ways to fight this illness.
Many people work together to help a child with thyroid cancer feel well again. Support from family, friends, and doctors plays a big part in recovery. Kids can lead happy lives after being treated for thyroid cancer.
Symptoms in Children
Thyroid cancer symptoms can be hard to notice in children. Kids might not say much about how they feel. Look for a lump or swelling at the base of their neck. This is often the first sign parents may see.
Children with thyroid cancer could also have trouble swallowing. They might say food feels stuck or it’s hard to swallow big bites. Their voice may sound hoarse or different than usual too which is another clue.
If kids start coughing a lot without being sick take note. It’s not normal if there’s no cold or flu causing it. And when they breathe you might hear a wheezing sound that wasn’t there before.
Sometimes kids just seem tired all the time and don’t want to play as much. They could lose weight even though they are eating okay. These changes in health can point to thyroid issues like cancer in children.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose thyroid cancer in children doctors start with a health check. They feel the neck for lumps and ask about symptoms. Blood tests can show how well the thyroid is working. An ultrasound might be needed to look at the thyroid more closely.
If doctors think there’s cancer they may remove a tiny bit of the lump. This test is called a biopsy. It helps them find out if it’s really cancer or not. The results tell doctors what type of treatment is best.
Treatment often includes surgery to take out part or all of the thyroid gland. After surgery some kids might need other treatments too. These could include taking medicine that replaces what the thyroid does or getting radioactive iodine therapy.
Follow-up care after treatment is important for kids’ health too. Doctors will keep checking on how they are doing over time with regular visits and tests like blood work and scans to make sure the cancer has not come back.
Prevention Tips
Preventing thyroid cancer in children starts with a healthy lifestyle. Make sure they eat well with lots of fruits and veggies. Foods that have iodine, like fish and dairy, are good for thyroid health. Staying away from too much radiation is also key.
Regular check-ups help keep kids’ health on track. Doctors can spot changes early if something’s not right. Teach kids to talk about any new lumps or pain in their necks. It’s one way they can be active in their own care.Can Children Get Thyroid Cancer?
Encourage your children to play outside and stay active as it boosts overall health. Limit the time they spend near devices that give off radiation, like phones or tablets, just to be safe even though there’s no clear link between them and thyroid cancer in kids.
Can Children Get Thyroid Cancer? Frequently Asked Questions
How common is thyroid cancer in children?
Thyroid cancer is quite rare in children. It's far less common than in adults but it does happen.
What age group of kids gets thyroid cancer the most?
While it can occur at any age it's more often found in teens compared to younger children.
Can thyroid cancer be cured in children?
Yes, when caught early and treated properly, many cases can be cured.
