Home | Free 14-Day Trial | Tutorial | Help

Cancer, Thyroid Gland

Related Terms

Anaplastic Carcinoma
Cancer of the Thyroid
Follicular Carcinoma
Malignant Lymphoma of the Thyroid
Medullary Carcinoma
Papillary Carcinoma
Thyroid Cancer

Differential Diagnoses

Benign thyroid nodules or cysts
Goiter
Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Specialists

Endocrinologist
General Surgeon
Oncologist
Otolaryngologist
Radiology Oncologist

Comorbid Conditions

Sign-in as a subscriber or take a free trial to see the renowned Reed Group physiological recovery durations in place of this advertising.

The age of the individual with thyroid cancer may affect disability. Generally, older individuals do not recover from this condition as easily as do younger individuals. The type of thyroid cancer, the stage of the disease, the presence of metastasis of the thyroid tumor, and the method of treatment may also influence the length of disability. If radiation or chemotherapy is used, a longer period of disability may be expected.

Duration Trends from Reference Data

DURATION TRENDS

ICD-9-CM: 193

Cases	Mean	Min	Max	No Lost Time	Over 6 Months
1246	45	1	189	< 0.1%	0.5%

Percentile:	5^th	25^th	Median	75^th	95^th
Days:	10	18	33	61	120

Differences may exist between the duration tables and the reference graphs. Duration tables provide expected recovery periods based on the type of work performed by the individual. The reference graphs reflect the actual experience of many individuals across the spectrum of physical conditions, in a variety of industries, and with varying levels of case management. Selected graphs combine multiple codes based on similar means and medians.

Medical Codes

	ICD-9-CM:
	193 -	Cancer, Thyroid Gland
	198.89 -	Secondary Malignant Neoplasm of Other Specified Sites; Other Specified Sites, Other

History

History: Individuals with thyroid cancer usually report a single, firm, nontender lump (nodule) at the base of the neck. If the tumor is pressing on other structures in the neck, symptoms may include hoarseness or loss of voice from pressure on nerves in the vocal chord (larynx) and difficulty swallowing or breathing due to pressure on the throat (esophagus) or wind pipe (trachea), respectively. If the tumor has spread (metastasized), the individual may report respiratory difficulties, cough, blood in the sputum (hemoptysis), chest pain, and musculoskeletal problems such as bone pain.

Physical exam: Manipulation with the fingers (palpation) may reveal a single, firm, nontender, symmetric, or asymmetric mass (nodule) at the base of the neck. Occasionally, the thyroid will appear perfectly normal despite the presence of a cancerous growth. More advanced thyroid tumors may be larger, or they may have many nodules (multinodular). Often, they are firmly attached to adjacent structures in the neck. Enlarged lymph nodes may be present if the tumor is advanced. Metastasis of the tumor may result in weight loss.

Tests: Thyroid nodules can be visualized through the use of a radioisotope (131I or 99Tcm pertechnetate). After the individual has swallowed (or been injected with) the radioisotope, images of the thyroid are captured on a specialized (gamma) camera. Only the thyroid tissue takes up the radioisotope. The results of this test allow determination of the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Other tests may include x-ray, CT and MRI imaging scans, high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to visualize the tumor, and measurement of thyroid hormones (calcitonin and thyroxin) in response to stimulation of the thyroid gland (thyroid function tests). However, a definitive diagnosis for thyroid cancer can only be made by obtaining a tissue sample (biopsy) from the nodule. Biopsies are obtained by aspirating cells through a needle inserted into the suspicious mass (fine needle aspiration biopsy, or FNAB). Biopsy tissue is then used to determine if the nodule is cancerous.

Source: Medical Disability Advisor

Feedback
Send us comments, suggestions, corrections, or anything you would like us to hear. If you are not logged in, you must include your email address, in order for us to respond. We cannot, unfortunately, respond to every comment. If you are seeking medical advice, please contact your physician. Thank you!
Send this comment to: Sales Customer Support Content Development




This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is published with the understanding that the author, editors, and publisher are not engaged in rendering medical, legal, accounting or other professional service. If medical, legal, or other expert assistance is required, the service of a competent professional should be sought. We are unable to respond to requests for advice. Any Sales inquiries should include an email address or other means of communication.