'Over 35 pc thyroid diseases can turn carcinogenic'

Varanasi, Dec 29 (UNI) Over 35 per cent disorders of the thyroid gland risk becoming carcinogenic if not attended properly, an eminent endocrinal surgeon claimed here today.

''If not attended properly diseases related to thyroid gland can turn carcinogenic, subsequently snowballing into a full fledged thyroid cancer which is curable through surgery if diagnosed early,'' senior surgeon at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai Prof M N Kamaludeen told UNI here.

Prof Kamaludeen, also the outgoing national secretary of Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) is in the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) here to attend ASICON-2006, the national conference of the premier body of surgeons in the country.

''Both hypothyrodism and hyperthyroidism, defficiency and excess of thyroxin hormone in the body is equally dangerous. If not treated properly by a qualified endocrinologist in time, these disorders which imperil the entire metabolic process are likely to become malignant,'' Prof Kamaludeen added.

He further said as the patients of hyphothroidism -- defficiency of thyroxin -- are more than those afflicted with hyperthyroidism, the risk of contracting the cancer of thyroid is also more among patients of goitre and myxedima and that too among females who form the bulk of thyroid malfunction patients.

About the symptoms of thyroid dysfunctioning turning malignant or carcinogenic, Prof Kamaludeen said changes in voice patterns, compression of tracea and oesophegus are the earliest symptoms of thyroid disorders moving the cancerous path.

''If the patients is rightfully diagnosed during any of these golden stages the prospects of thyroid malfunction turning cancerous can be eliminated through corrective surgery. Delay in reaching to the endocrinal surgeon during these stages means that even surgery cannot cure the dangerous development but merely extend the survival of the patients,'' he maintained.

Prof Kamaludeen further advised all thyroid patients to go for proper hormonal profiling with qualified endocrinologist every two months to lead a risk free life.

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