Thyroid cancer is a tumor that starts in the thyroid gland. In the early stages, it may cause a lump in the neck, which can grow quickly if the cancer is more aggressive. Other symptoms may include hoarseness and/or difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis is usually made with tests such as a thyroid ultrasound and fine needle aspiration (FNA). CT scan or MRI may also be recommended, and treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor.
If thyroid cancer is suspected, it is important to see a primary care provider or endocrinologist for a detailed evaluation. When treated appropriately, thyroid cancer can be cured in most cases.
Thyroid cancer symptoms
The main symptoms of thyroid cancer are:
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Lump or nodule in the neck
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Neck swelling
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Difficulty breathing
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Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
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Difficulty swallowing
According to the National Cancer Institute, thyroid cancer may not cause early symptoms and may first be detected during a routine physical exam. In some cases, a lump or swelling in the neck may be the only noticeable sign, which means it can easily go unnoticed.
If thyroid cancer is suspected, you should see a primary care provider or an endocrinologist promptly for a thorough evaluation and to begin the most appropriate treatment.
Confirming a diagnosis
Thyroid cancer is usually diagnosed by a primary care provider or endocrinologist, who may order blood tests, such as TSH and free T4 levels, along with a thyroid ultrasound.
However, to confirm a cancer diagnosis, fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the nodule is recommended, as this test can identify malignant cells in the gland.
Other imaging tests, such as CT scan or MRI, may also be recommended, especially if there is suspicion that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Main types
The main types of thyroid cancer are:
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Papillary carcinoma: this is the most common type of thyroid cancer and the easiest to treat
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Follicular carcinoma: this is less common than papillary carcinoma, but it also usually has a good prognosis
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Medullary carcinoma: this is rare and usually causes only one thyroid nodule, but treatment can be difficult when metastases are present
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Anaplastic carcinoma: this is a rare and highly aggressive type, and treatment outcomes are often limited
Although identifying the type of thyroid cancer helps guide the most appropriate treatment, other features, such as tumor growth and the presence of metastases, are also usually evaluated.
Treatment options
Treatment for thyroid cancer is usually guided by an endocrinologist and may involve an oncologist or surgeon. It depends on the type of cancer, its size, and whether metastases are present, and it typically includes thyroid surgery to remove the tumor.
According to the National Cancer Institute, other thyroid cancer treatments may include radioactive iodine therapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Radioactive iodine therapy and thyroid hormone therapy are usually recommended to complete treatment after surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be recommended, especially for more advanced tumors or tumors that have not responded well to initial treatments.
Is thyroid cancer curable?
In some cases, thyroid cancer can be cured, especially when it is identified in the early stages. However, treatment success usually depends on the size of the tumor, whether metastases are present, and whether nearby organs, blood vessels, or nerves are involved.
In addition, treatment can be more challenging depending on the cancer type. For example, anaplastic carcinoma is highly aggressive and may not respond well to treatment, even when detected early.
Recovery time
Most people can return to their usual activities the day after surgery, but should avoid sports and other strenuous activities for about 10 days to 2 weeks.
After surgery, changes such as difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and hypoparathyroidism may occur, although they are usually temporary.
During follow-up, tests are typically recommended to assess how effectively the surgery removed the tumor. These may include a neck ultrasound and blood tests to measure calcitonin, thyroglobulin, or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which are often monitored over time.