Januvia & Thyroid Cancer: Three Types You Need to Know About
By Jessica Tyner
Word is getting out that the type-2 diabetes drug Januvia may be linked to thyroid cancer. There are Januvia lawsuits helping survivors get compensation, but what happens if you’ve been on Januvia and have yet to be tested for thyroid cancer? Often, a lump is present in the gland and that’s what leads to testing for Januvia thyroid cancer. These tests may include a calcitonin blood test, laryngoscopy, thyroid biopsy, thyroid scan or ultrasound of the thyroid gland. Only a physician can determine if a test is necessary and which one is best for you. However, there are some common symptoms that Januvia patients can keep an eye out for.
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
Symptoms can vary person to person, and just because someone has a few of these symptoms does not necessarily mean they have thyroid cancer. However, common symptoms of thyroid can include neck swelling, coughing, hoarseness and problems swallowing. A thyroid lump or swelling of the thyroid gland is the two symptoms that may be particularly troubling.
What is it about Januvia that can cause cancer? According to researchers, DPP-4 inhibitors, which are found in the drug, can promote the growth of thyroid cancer. They impact the immune system, so the body is unable to fight off the cancer. If thyroid cancer isn’t caught early and isn’t treated, it can have a high mortality rate.
Types of Januvia Thyroid Cancer
Papillary and follicular thyroid cancer is by far the most common, with up to 90 percent of people suffering from the disease. Both papillary and follicular stem from the follicular cells in the thyroid, and the cancer usually grows very slowly. Most of these cancer victims survive if the disease is caught early. Medullary thyroid cancer is rarer, with up to 10 percent of thyroid cancer victims having this type. It stems from C cells, and is relatively simple to treat if it’s caught before spreading to other body parts.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is very rare, with only one to two percent of Januvia victims developing it. While it also stems from follicular cells, these cancerous cells are extremely difficult to pinpoint and are very abnormal. It’s nearly impossible to control, very lethal and spreads at lightning speed.
Do You Have Januvia Cancer?
No matter what type of thyroid cancer you or a loved one was diagnosed with, you might have a Januvia legal claim if you took the popular type-2 diabetes drug. Compensation may be due through a Januvia lawsuit settlement.
You can learn more at the Type 2 Diabetes Drugs Januvia, Byetta Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. You’ll have the opportunity to submit your story for a free legal review to see if you qualify.
Updated June 29th, 2013
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