Connection Between Thyroid Nodules Cancer and Breast Cancer
Women with a history of breast cancer have an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. Regular thyroid screenings are vital for early detection and prevention. Learn more about the connection or schedule an appointment with our thyroid specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja, for personalized care from our specialized thyroid nodules clinic in Singapore.
Introduction to Thyroid Nodules and our Specialized Thyroid Nodules Clinic in Singapore
Thyroid nodules are lumps that develop on or in the thyroid gland. In most cases, thyroid nodules are benign, meaning they are noncancerous. However, about 10% of thyroid nodules are malignant or can lead to thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in the thyroid glands. Luckily, advanced diagnoses, such as those at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, can detect thyroid nodules in its early stages, resulting in effective treatment of benign thyroid nodules.
That said, thyroid cancer is closely related to breast cancer. According to National Institutes of Health, 'thyroid cancer rates in women with a history of breast cancer are higher than expected'. Studies also show that survivors of thyroid cancer are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. As such, we recommend thyroid nodules screening survivors of breast cancer. Learn more about the link between thyroid and breast cancer.
Understanding Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid nodules refer to lumps that develop in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located below the Adam's apple and produces endocrine - a hormone that regulates various body functions. Most thyroid nodules are noncancerous, but a small percentage can be malignant, leading to thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is the eighth most common cancer in Singapore and mostly affects female adults, although it can affect anyone.
Types of Thyroid Cancer
There are four types of thyroid cancer, which include:
- Papillary. Papillary is the most common thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80% of all diagnosed cases. Papillary cancer spreads slowly and is also easy to treat and rarely fatal.
- Follicular. About 15% of all thyroid cancer cases are follicular. This cancer can spread to the bones and other organs, making it a little challenging to manage.
- Medullary. Medullary thyroid cancer accounts for about 2% of all cases. Most patients have a family history of the disease, suspected to develop from a faulty gene.
- Anaplastic. This cancer also accounts for about 2% of all cases. It is aggressive and the hardest to treat. However, like all other cancers, early detection makes it curable.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Thyroid cancer symptoms may include;
- Difficulty in swallowing or breathing
- Hoarseness or changes in the voice
- Swollen lymph nodes
While these symptoms may indicate the possibility of cancer, they can also result from enlarged benign thyroid nodules. Our physicians use the following diagnostic tools to evaluate the potential of thyroid cancer.
- Physical examination
- Thyroid function tests
- Ultrasound
- Fine-needle biopsy
- Thyroid scan
Introduction to Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a cancer that develops from abnormal growth of breast cells. The cancer largely affects women or people assigned the female gender at birth. Breast cancer can be non-invasive or invasive. Non-invasive breast cancer is found in the milk ducts or lobules, while invasive cancer spreads beyond the ducts.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Several factors increase the risk of breast cancer. These factors include;
- Family history of breast cancer
- Genetic factors
- Hormonal factors
- Smoking and taking alcohol
- Exposure to certain radiations
- Obesity
Thyroid Cancer and Breast Cancer
Studies have shown a connection between thyroid and breast cancers. Thyroid cancer survivors have shown a higher risk of developing breast cancer. While the studies are inconclusive of the causes of this correlation, hormonal influences, genetic predisposition, and radiation exposure could be the cause. As such, you should increase your breast cancer screening if you have a history of thyroid cancer.
Importance of Monitoring and Screening
Frequent breast cancer screening allows early detection, leading to effective treatment. We recommend a bi-annual mammographic screening for patients with a history of thyroid cancer. Self-examination can also increase early detection and management of breast cancer.
Do You Have a History with Breast Cancer? Schedule a Thyroid Nodules Screening in Singapore
Studies have shown a correlation between thyroid and breast cancers. Women who have been previously diagnosed with thyroid cancer are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. That's why Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic recommends frequent thyroid nodules screening for patients in the effective treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Contact us today to speak to our thyroid nodules specialist in Singapore today.
The Advantages of RFA of Thyroid Nodules
The major advantages of the technique are as below.
- It is done as day surgery procedure under light sedation.
- It takes about 45 minutes to one hour to complete the entire procedure.
- Patients are discharged the same day.
- Normal thyroid tissue adjacent to the nodule is preserved.
- It does not affect thyroid function.
- Multiple nodules can be treated at same time.
- The treated nodules do not regrow again.
- No surgical scar with needle mark on the skin.
- Quick recovery and back to full activity and normal lifestyle.
- The technique is suitable to treat even large thyroid nodules.
Find out how thyroid nodule Radiofrequency Ablation can help you in a minimally invasive way on our blog post, “Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment: Diagnosis, Management, and Recovery.”
Thyroid Nodule Resources
How to Keep Thyroid Healthy for Optimal Well-Being
As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid hormones must be perfectly balanced at all times for the body to function normally.
Caring For Your Thyroid Health
Have you ever experienced difficulty swallowing or breathing? You may have risk factors including a family history of thyroid nodules or iodine deficiency. Thyroid nodules are abnormal lumps (growths) within the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located below your voice box. Even if most thyroid nodules are benign, 10-15% of nodules are cancerous. Sometimes overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue can lead to hyperthyroidism. In other cases, multiple nodules can form in the thyroid called multinodular goiter. Fluid filled thyroid cysts can be one type of thyroid nodule within the thyroid. More complex nodules may lead to thyroid cancers. Depending on the root cause and type of nodule you have, patients can monitor with regular ultrasound or even have a thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAC) if required. Surgery to remove partial or whole thyroid gland can be done but thanks to minimally invasive treatments such as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), this procedure can treat noncancerous and cancerous thyroid lumps.
Other Health Conditions
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your "go-to" facility for various conditions and pain management. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our thyroid nodule specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.