Thyroid Cancer

Definition

Thyroid cancer develops in the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck that regulates metabolism. The most common types are papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, while medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancers are rarer and more aggressive.

Characteristics

Symptoms may include a lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, neck pain, or enlarged lymph nodes. Many thyroid cancers are found during routine neck exams or imaging studies performed for unrelated reasons.

Diagnosis and Prognosis

Diagnosis involves physical examination, thyroid function tests, ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and sometimes molecular testing. Prognosis is excellent for most thyroid cancers, especially papillary and follicular types, with high survival rates when diagnosed early.

Treatment

Treatment typically includes surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid (thyroidectomy), followed by radioactive iodine therapy if needed. Hormone therapy, external radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy may be used for more aggressive or advanced cases.

Last Revised: 12 May , 2025