Mercy's Dr. Armando Sardi Discusses Thyroid Cancer

The rate of Americans diagnosed with thyroid cancer has more often than tripled over the past four decades.

According to the American Cancer Society, women are diagnosed with thyroid cancer three times more than men.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the throat. The gland produces hormones that are important in regulating your body's metabolism.

Armando Sardi, M.D., FACS, Medical Director, The Institute for Cancer Care at Mercy, noted that thyroid cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer and the vast majority of cases are not life-threatening.

Due to more readily available technology, it is now easier to find.

"We are using a lot of technology, for diagnosis, an MRI to find other conditions, frequently we find thyroid nodules of masses that lead to diagnosis," Dr. Sardi said. Treatments, which can include surgery, are low risk and usually very successful, he added.

The cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified and include a family history of goiter, exposure to high levels of radiation and certain hereditary syndromes.

To view Mercy surgical oncologist Dr. Armando Sardi’s interview regarding thyroid cancer, click here.