Brooke Burke-Charvet announces thyroid cancer diagnosis: Is it common?

Brooke Burke-Charvet, 41, showed where the scar from her thyroidectomy will be. The "Dancing with the Stars" co-host was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. / youtube/modernmom

"Dancing with the Stars" co-host Brooke Burke-Charvet shocked fans today when she revealed in a video that she has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

"I feel really good," she explained in the video. "I've never felt better. That's what's so crazy about this whole thing, and you never ever think that some tiny nodule, something that I didn't even know was going on in my body -- I went for a regular physical, and that's how I discovered this."

Burke-Charvet has been chronicling her cancer experience on Modern Mom. In July 2012, she wrote in a post that she had been ignoring her doctor's recommendation to undergo a thyroid ultrasound after he found a lump in her neck during her routine exam. It wasn't until her friend told her about her own thyroid cancer experience that she decided to face her fears and make the appointment.

On Nov. 8, Burke-Charvet posted a video to say that she received atypical results a few days after she posted that she had made an appointment. She said after a battery of tests, she learned she had thyroid cancer.

• Brooke Burke-Charvet reveals thyroid cancer diagnosis

Thyroid cancer is a form of cancer that is found in the thyroid gland, an organ found at the bottom of your throat that helps make hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, blood temperature and weight. There are several types of thyroid cancer including papillary carcinoma (which accounts for eight out of 10 diagnoses), follicular carcinoma (including kinds of Hurthle cell carcinoma), medullary thyroid carcinoma, anaplastic carcinoma, thyroid lymphoma and thyroid sarcoma.

Symptoms vary but may include cough, difficulty swallowing, neck swelling, a thyroid lump (nodule) and hoarseness or changing voice.

The National Cancer Institute estimates 56,460 cases of thyroid cancer will occur in 2012 and 1,780 deaths will be caused by the disease this year. It is mostly diagnosed in younger patients: 80 percent of thyroid cancer patients are under 65 years old according to the American Cancer Society. The five-year survival rate ranges from those diagnosed with stage I or II thyroid cancer approach 100 percent, according to the society. Depending on type of thyroid cancer, survival rates at stage IV can be anywhere from 7 percent to 51 percent.

The Mayo Clinic adds that thyroid cancer isn't common in the U.S., but rates seem to be increasing. Updated technology that is allowing doctors to see small thyroid cancers that they wouldn't have otherwise seen in the past may explain the rise in rates.

Burke-Charvet will undergo surgery for a thyroidectomy, which involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland.

"(It) means that I'm going to have a nice big scar right here across my neck," she said. "And, I don't get to just walk around and pretend that nothing happened and not follow up and not share it because it's going to be pretty much dead center."

The dancer and actress did not reveal what type of thyroid cancer she had, but she did say that doctors were optimistic about her recovery.

"Doctors say this is a 'good' kind of cancer to have. "Good cancer": That sounds so crazy, but my doctor did tell me this is a happily ever after ending kind of thing," she said.

Watch Burke-Charvet talk about her diagnosis and upcoming surgery below.

[WFilip]

I had thyroid cancer back in 1990. In my case, it was follicular thyroid cancer. When the tumor was removed, it was the size of an almond. The surgeon thought it was benigh, so he only took out half my thyroid with it. They sent it for analysis at Yale. A week later, I got the phone call from my doctor saying they found it was cancer. However, they said it was "encapsulated", and since it hadn't spread to any lymph nodes - they suggested I just stay on Synthroid to suppress the other half of thyroid that was left. I've been cancer-free now for nearly 23 years!

I did notice Brooke's scar is far smaller than mine was (mine was probably 4 inches across) - and is already far more faint than mine was (it was bright red for months). I know they've come a lot further with this surgery (and others) in the past 23 years, though! You can't really see the scar now, unless I point it out - as it faded and is in a crease area.

[r_r_k]

I had thyroid cancer back in 1997. At the time, I was told that it was relatively common for women of my age due to nuclear testing when we were children as well as unprotected X-rays at the dentist. Regardless, I've had no problems since, other than the usual weight issues and an onset of metabolic disorder. The scar I have is hardly noticeable.

[rachpat]

Hey Brooke, I had thyroid cancer 13 years ago, I was only 28, I was very scared and shocked to hear that it was cancer. I thought that they were just going to remove a cyst, however, it was cancer and they had to remove my entire thyroid. I encourage you to do your research and find the absolute best surgeon possible. I was young and just went with a Doctor on my insurance plan, well.... he in the process of removing my thyroid cut the nerves on both sides of my vocal chords, leaving me with an airway the size of a straw. For 12 years I struggled with breathing and this caused me many health issues. At the beginning of this year, I came down with a terrible cold, normally I would have a cortisone injection and be ok, however, this time that didn't work and then I was admitting into the hospital and they gave me steroids by IV for 24 hours, still nothing. So, I had to have a tracheotomy put in. I am happy to report that I am breathing better than I have in 13 years and speaking better. I will be praying for you, I hope that your journey will be a short and healing one. I have been a fan of yours for years and would be happy to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have regarding the cancer. Much Love being sent your way. My email is [e-mail].

With much hope for you,
Rachael Patin

[denvic2001]

I am a thyca survivor. I was diagnosed at the age of 26. I had a TT the surgery lasted 6hrs b/c I had complications. I also went through 3 rounds of RAI which is a radiation pill that you swollow to kill the remaining thyroid tissue. My thyca spread to my lymph nodes and I had to have a second surgery 7 yr after my TT to remove lymph nodes that tested positive for thyca. So no thyca is NOT A GOOD CANCER no cancer is good. I will never be 100% free of this cancer b/c my body won't allow it. But it is under control and most days I feel great. I also take 400mcg of synthroid. I wish you the best. And I think of my TT scar as my second smile and part of who I am.

[PhoebeRN]

Brooke, I was just diagnosed last April and had my thyroid removed last May 10. Everything went well but I had some other health issues that sent me back to the hospital 12 hours after I was discharged. I also had low calcium so I ended up in the ICU . I'm back to work now and doing well. I must admit I'm not the same anymore but I try my best to be normal again and I'm just fine. You are much younger and I'm sure you will do just fine. Just take your calcium right away after surgery to prevent complications. Good luck and keep us posted God bless you.

[PhoebeRN]

Brooke, I was just diagnosed last April and had my thyroid removed last May 10. Everything went well but I had some other health issues that sent me back to the hospital 12 hours after I was discharged. I also had low calcium so I ended up in the ICU . I'm back to work now and doing well. I must admit I'm not the same anymore but I try my best to be normal again and I'm just fine. You are much younger and I'm sure you will do just fine. Just take your calcium right away after surgery to prevent complications. Good luck and keep us posted God bless you.

[unicole01]

I wonder if she would be a candidate for the daVinci robotic thyroid surgery that I had? I had half my thyroid removed because of a large nodule and I do not have a scar on my neck, I have a hidden scar in my armpit! It is not widely known here in the US yet. I had it done at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. There is a lower chance of voice damage using the robot, and if a neck scar is a concern (which for someone famous it could be) it's avoidable! Look into it, I was able to find videos online that demonstrated the surgery!

[Silvermaran]

Thyroid disease should be on the top of the list for stealth infections caused by prion proteins infectious organisms carry that share our genes or any genes needed to survive. Unfortunately the medical mafia refuses to tell the truth about these organisms because that would cost them profits.
But they know....
http://afhsc.army.mil/viewMSMR?file=2012%2Fv19_n10.pdf

One Million New cases of Lyme borreliosis were recorded for residents of Germany, based on public data released from Payments by German Health insurance companies for calendar year 2012.
The US still calls it syndromes of unknown origin to make babies and the people suffer in lies of no treatment, when its really the real Cause of AIDS. Thanks Pig pharmus.

[Alonamedullary]

Everyone's treatment and the outcome of this cancer is different. I know that the article skimmed the issue and if one is diagnosed with TC hopefully they would look into all the information and make informed decisions about their health. I think when articles are written like this they should be written in more depth, even though it was primarily aboout Brooke, because people will look to her example. I myself was diagnosed with papillary/ medullary thyroid cancer and yes in some cases when confined to the thyroid you MAY have a very good outcome. I am lucky because my cancer was confined and as of now the levels tested for this are undetectable. This could change but I try not to think about it. I do however have friends who have ADVANCED STAGES and or complications and their battle is in no way easy or fun. The trials and the effects can be as hard as treatments for other cancers. Drugs can give acne, gastrointestinal issues, mouth sores, fatigue just to name a scant few. If anyone needs information about Thyroid cancer you can visit Thyca.org for good information. We need to not let being uninformed divide us but we shold be able to educate anyone who needs to know about TC. Brooke I do hope you go to a center of excellence for comprehensive treatment. MD Anderson comes to mind. Do not let this issue define your life but know you have time to make decisions that will have the best impact on your treatment. Knowing firsthand and seeing what friends go through this is not an easy cancer I was lucky in my outcome but that is just it, LUCK....so far.

[jivoin128]

I have to add to all these comments that everyone's scar is different. I know that the scar should be the least of anyone's worries but everyone's scar is in a different spot depending on their neck. I was told that my scar would be on the lower part of my neck but whe I woke up from the surgery it was on a high part, above my adams apple because they do it where your creases are in your neck. I was about to get sick right when I saw the stitches because it is disturbing but it fades. Best of luck everyone :)