Malignant Neoplasm Of Thyroid Gland Differential Diagnosis Table

Malignant Neoplasm Of Thyroid Gland Differential Diagnosis Table:

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front part of the neck region. The main function of this gland is to absorb iodine from the bloodstream to produce thyroid hormones. The functions of these hormones are many but among the most important are that they help the organism in using energy to maintain the body temperature and to ensure the proper functioning of certain organs such as the heart, brain, and muscles.

Malignant neoplasm of the Thyroid Gland is a tumor or malignant growth mass located within the thyroid gland and is derived from thyroid cells. Thyroid cancer is the most frequent endocrine neoplasm of all endocrine neoplasms.

Among its main risk factors are exposure to ionizing radiation, obesity, diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine intake, estrogens and reproductive factors, as well as genetic predisposition. It is common in women of extreme age, i.e., women between 20 and 50 years of age. Women are three times more likely to suffer from thyroid cancer than men.

Thyroid cancer usually presents as a solitary thyroid nodule.

Normally, in my experience, this type of patient presents as follows: A female patient of reproductive age, referred from family medicine to the endocrinology department, with a history of thyroid dysfunction, concerned, during the physical examination presents: a firm nodule on palpation in the anterior neck region of rapid growth fixed to adjacent structures with vocal cord palsy accompanied by regional lymphadenopathy with a family history of thyroid cancer, the patient also referred swallowing problems, frequent coughing.

How to Distinguish Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland from Other Diseases

Distinguish Goiter from Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland – Diagnosis

• Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland while Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland is a tumor within the thyroid gland.
• The causes of Goiter are: iodine deficiency, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Grave’s disease, while Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland includes ionizing radiation, obesity, diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine intake, estrogens and reproductive factors, as well as genetic predisposition.
• Goiter symptoms include: voice changes, heart and breathing problems, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the neck while Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland symptoms are: lump in the anterior neck, hoarseness, adenopathy, persistent cough, sore throat.
• Goiter treatment will depend on the cause and size; treatment ranges from antithyroid drugs to iodine therapy or surgery while the main treatment for Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland is surgery.

Distinguish Benign Thyroid Nodules from Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland – Diagnosis

It is a tumor-like lesion within the thyroid but the cells from which they are formed are benign.

• Benign Thyroid Nodules are formed by benign cells, unlike Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland composed of malignant cells.
• Benign Thyroid Nodules are usually asymptomatic, but the most common symptoms that may occur are: aphonia and bulge in the anterior neck region while Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland are: lump in the anterior neck, hoarseness, adenopathy, persistent cough, sore throat.
• Among the most common causes of Benign Thyroid Nodules are the excessive production of colloid material or are related to autoimmune thyroiditis, however, Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland includes ionizing radiation, obesity, diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine intake, estrogens and reproductive factors, as well as genetic predisposition.

Distinguish Thyroid Cysts from Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland – Diagnosis

They are fluid-filled cavities within the thyroid.

• Thyroid cysts, unlike Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland, have a liquid cystic component.
• Thyroid cysts are asymptomatic but if they increase in size, it is possible that they present symptoms such as: neck pain or difficulty swallowing while Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland are: lump in the anterior neck, hoarseness, adenopathy, persistent cough, sore throat.
• Thyroid cysts, unlike Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland, usually disappear spontaneously.

Distinguish Thyroid Adenoma from Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland – Diagnosis

Thyroid Adenoma is a type of benign tumor that is formed in the thyroid

• Thyroid Adenoma, unlike Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland, cannot be spread to another part of the body.
• Thyroid Adenoma, unlike Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland, are benign.
• Thyroid Adenoma, unlike Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland, are asymptomatic.

Distinguish Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis from Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland – Diagnosis

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism.

• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis cause is multifactorial including genetic or environmental and endogenous factors. Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland includes ionizing radiation, obesity, diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine intake, estrogens and reproductive factors, as well as genetic predisposition.
• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis symptoms are: goiter, intolerance to cold, fatigue and tiredness, constipation, weight gain, menstrual irregularities, dry skin while Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland are: lump in the anterior neck, hoarseness, adenopathy, persistent cough, sore throat.
• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis diagnosis, unlike Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland, is based on physical examination and laboratory tests.

Distinguish Graves’ Disease from Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland – Diagnosis

Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hyperthyroidism.

• Graves’ Disease symptoms include: tachycardia, irritability, nervousness, tremors, weakness of the muscles, bulging eyes, excessive tearing, intolerance to light, myxedema pretibial while Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland are: lump in the anterior neck, hoarseness, adenopathy, persistent cough, sore throat.
• Graves’ Disease diagnosis, unlike Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland, is based on physical examination and laboratory tests.

Distinguish Thyroid Lymphoma from Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland – Diagnosis

It’s a lymphatic cell tumor.

• Thyroid Lymphoma, unlike Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid, is rare.
• Thyroid Lymphoma, unlike Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid, is more common in females over 70 years of age.

Common Red Flags with Malignant Neoplasm of Thyroid Gland

The diagnosis is made by means of an echo sonography to detect the presence of a nodule or mass. If so, a fine needle aspiration is performed to identify the etiology, whether it is benign or malignant. If the fine needle is inconclusive, a biopsy is suggested to confirm it. MRI of the neck is used to determine the extent of spread prior to surgery.
Surgery is the main treatment for thyroid cancer, either by total thyroidectomy or hemithyroidectomy. After surgery, radioactive iodine therapy is administered, which is used to capture malignant cells and destroy them.
Some patients may develop complications after treatment, these are: hypoparathyroidism due to removal of the parathyroid gland, swallowing problems or paralysis of the vocal cords. Also, radioiodine therapy can have complications such as problems with saliva production and metallic taste.
Most people with this type of cancer have a good prognosis but early detection and regular checkups are important.
Apart from the risk factors already mentioned, it is advisable to follow certain tips, which are: avoid ionizing radiation especially in childhood and adolescence, see a doctor if you have any discomfort in the neck area or notice the presence of a lump.