Cancer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cancer - Essay Example thyroidal hormones are essential for the regulation of bloodline pressure, heart rate, metabolism and temperature of body, influences nervous system, muscular system and other systems as well. Regulation of the hormone produced by this gland may result in thyrotoxicosis (Graves Disease) or hypothyroidism. Thyroid cancer is considered as an uncommon type of cancer. Thyroid cancer is categorized into four groups encompassing papillary, medullary, follicular and anaplastic thyroid cancers. Lumps or masses grow in thyroid which are benign in ninety-five percent of cases. There is always a propensity that they may dispense to other body parts if remain untreated (Web. Thyroid Cancer, n.d.). Epidemiology The American Cancer Society reveals that around 17,200 cases of thyroid cancer appear apiece year, this number contributes to 1 percent of all the cancer cases prevalent in United States. Women are considered to be three times more prone to divulge the symptoms of thyroid cancer as compared to men. Problems related to thyroid hormone is common in teen advancers, adolescents and younger individuals, but thyroid cancer is known to develop at the age of over 50 years (Web. Thyroid Cancer, n.d.). Worldwide estimations reveal that more than 862,000 individuals diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2003 were alive in 2008 (Web.Thyroid cancer incidence statistics, n.d.). Genetic-associated risk factors chromosome(s)/gene(s) involved Genes are responsible for the metabolism of the organism, they control the functions of the cells. Cancers initially progress from the normal cells and gradually gain the potential to reproduce unusually and ultimately become cancerous. These malignant cells proliferate clonally and form tumors which in due course impend to turn metastatic. Cancer, also known as malignant neoplasm, the hallmark characteristic involves uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Under normal conditions cell grow, divide and die, but in cancer c ells the defect takes place at the gene level leading to the formation of an abnormal DNA. As genes are the basic control machine of the cell, alteration of any kind may bring devastating consequences, or malignancy. Autosomal dominance inheritance of mutated gene (only single cope) could lead to thyroid cancer, although its prevalence is only 1 percent. The inheritance of defective gene could be estimated with transmissible testing. Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) contributes to 5 percent of thyroid cancers. Genetic conditions playing role in inheritance of MTC are multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2A, 2B as well as familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC). On the other hand, papillary and follicular thyroid cancers contribute to 90 percent of all thyroid cancers (Web. The Genetics of Thyroid Cancer, 2011). Risk factors other than genetics Risk factors enhances the chance of developing cancer. In most of the cases, thyroid cancers are sporadic. About 10 percent of the thyroid c ancers are inherited (5 percent papillary, and follicular, while 25 percent MTC). Other risk factors involve gender (women are more prone), age (2/3 of the cases are reported between 20 and 55 years), while anaplastic thyroid cancer is reported after 60 years of age. shaft exposure (X-ray treatment to treat tonsillitis), exposure to radioactive iodin in childhood days enhance the chances of papillary and follicular thyroid cancers. Low iodine in diet may also cause thyroid cancer (Web. Thyroid Cancer- Risk Factors, 2013). Symptoms Typical