Thyroid Cancer

A cancer of the thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck.

The cause of thyroid cancer is poorly understood, but may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Some people have no symptoms. Others may notice a lump in the neck.

Treatments, which are usually successful, include surgery, hormone therapy, radioactive iodine, radiation and in some cases chemotherapy.

other thyroid conditions, such as an inflamed thyroid (thyroiditis) or goitre – but not an overactive thyroid or underactive thyroid. a family history of thyroid cancer – your risk is higher if a close relative has had thyroid cancer. radiation exposure in childhood – such as radiotherapy.

Most people with thyroid cancer have no known risk factors, so it is not possible to prevent most cases of this disease. Radiation exposure, especially in childhood, is a known thyroid cancer risk factor. Because of this, doctors no longer use radiation to treat less serious diseases.

How to Detect?
How we can Help you

Ultrasound
Radioiodine scan
Chest x-ray
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Lab tests of biopsy (or other) samples
Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Chemotherapy may help control fast-growing thyroid cancers, such as anaplastic thyroid cancer. In certain situations, chemotherapy might be used for other types of thyroid cancer. Sometimes chemotherapy is combined with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy side effects depend on the specific drugs you receive.

Quick Connect For Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid Cancer FQAS

If I have a thyroid lump, does that mean I have thyroid cancer?

Having a thyroid lump does not mean you have thyroid cancer. In fact, 95% of thyroid lumps are benign (non-cancerous). Most of the time, these lumps can be followed on a routine basis, without the need for surgery.

Does Thyroid Cancer Occur in Men or Children?

Yes, while thyroid cancer is more common in women, various forms of thyroid cancer can occur in both men and children as well. Treatment methods are similar in all patients.

Can Thyroid Cancer Spread to Other Parts of the Body?

Thyroid cancers are most often slow-growing tumors, but with time they can spread and metastasize. Thyroid cancers can expand from the thyroid and cause injury to nearby structures by invading in to the structures in the neck such as the esophagus, nerves, or windpipe. In more severe cases these tumors can also spread to the lungs or bones.

What are the treatments of thyroid cancer?

The treatment for thyroid cancer is to remove the thyroid gland, which is called a thyroidectomy. In many cases the whole thyroid needs to be removed (total thyroidectomy), and the lymph nodes surrounding the thyroid may be removed at the same time. In some cases, only part of the thyroid gland needs to be removed.

Can Thyroid Cancer Recur after Surgery and Treatment?

Thyroid cancer can return is some cases, and your surgeon and endocrinologist will monitor for any signs of recurrent disease through blood tests and ultrasound examination.