On the eve of World Thyroid Day observed on May 25, oncologist and former professor at Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Dr Ranbir Mishra, told
TOI
, “The problem in the neck region is initially not very painful but with the passage of time when the swelling increases, the irritation grows.” He said, “In rural areas where often people, after observing neck swelling, opt for self-diagnosis or take help from quacks, should immediately visit nearby health centres run by govt which is free of cost.”
Dr Mishra said, “Doctors will evaluate swelling and order tests to find out if it is cancer or not.The mode of treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery wherein the entire thyroid gland is removed. Thyroid-related problems can be genetic and of two types in general — hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.”
“Hypothyroidism is more common in women with signs like weight gain, lethargy, intolerance to cold, feeling dull, menstrual irregularities and weakness. It can be accompanied by swelling of the thyroid gland, also known as goitre,” said Dr Mishra. “Patients suffering from hyperthyroidism show signs of weight loss, anxiety, intolerance to heat and tremors,” said Dr Mishra, adding that medical check-up is a must if these signs are seen in anyone.
According to a report published by an international medical journal, at present, there are an estimated 42 million people suffering from thyroid-associated problems in India. The study also shows that thyroid disorder is more prevalent in females compared to males.
Superintendent of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Hospital Dr Ravindra Kumar said, “Thyroid treatment is done in the govt-run hospital in Jamshedpur but doctors for thyroid cancer are not available.”
