Most people do not think about their thyroid. However, this gland regulates the body’s metabolic rate, muscle and digestive function, bone maintenance and more! January is Thyroid Awareness Month, and there is no better time to learn about the warning signs of possible thyroid disease.
Thyroid cancer can cause any of the following signs or symptoms: a lump or swelling in the neck, pain in the front of the neck, persistent hoarseness or other voice changes, trouble swallowing or breathing, or a constant cough that is not due to a cold.
This year, approximately 53,000 adults will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer, with women outnumbering men 3:1. Thyroid cancer can occur at any age, but the risk peaks earlier for women (who are most often in their 40s or 50s when diagnosed). In addition to gender, family history of disease, inherited conditions and exposure to radiation are also risk factors for thyroid cancer.
Ultrasound is usually the first choice for looking at the thyroid gland and can help detect nodules or other signs of thyroid disease. If necessary, suspicious nodules can be sampled with an Image Guided Biopsy, click to learn more about that procedure.
With many locations in the Metro DC area, Fairfax Radiology Centers (FRC) offers top quality diagnostic imaging in the hands of highly trained subspecialized radiologists. Learn more about imaging studies at FRC.