Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

Definition

Thyroid cancer is cancer of the thyroid gland. This gland makes thyroid hormone, and it is found in the front of the neck. Thyroid gland tumors often appear as bumps in the neck, called nodules. In most cases, thyroid nodules are not cancerous. However, those that are cancerous have the potential to spread throughout the body.

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid tumor
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

There are several types of thyroid cancer, including:

Causes

The cause is unknown.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the risk of thyroid cancer include:

  • Diet low in iodine
  • History of radiation to the head, neck, or chest, especially in infancy or childhood
  • Family history of thyroid cancer
  • Sex: female
  • Age: 30 and over
  • Exposure to radioactive fallout (eg, exposed to radiation from nuclear accidents or exposed to nuclear testing area during childhood)

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done. This may include a careful examination of your neck to look for lumps or abnormalities.

Your doctor may order tests, such as:

Treatment

Once thyroid cancer is found, staging tests are done to find out if the cancer has spread. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. Examples of treatment options include:

  • Thyroidectomy —This is the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.
  • Radioactive iodine therapy —This uses large doses of radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid gland and thyroid cancer without affecting the rest of the body.
  • External radiation therapy —This is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation is directed at the tumor from a source outside the body.

If you are diagnosed with thyroid cancer, follow your doctor's instructions .

Prevention

Because the exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, finding it early and treating it is the best way to prevent dying from the disease. Your doctor may recommend screening tests for you, for example:

  • Have a thyroid exam every three years if you are aged 20-39 years old
  • Have a thyroid exam every year if you are aged 40 years or older

Since exposure to radiation is a major risk factor for thyroid cancer, you should:

  • Avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation.
  • If you have been exposed to radiation of the head, neck, or chest, have frequent checks for thyroid cancer.