In some cases, you may notice an overall swelling of the lower front part of your neck, instead of a well-defined lump. The lump may appear suddenly or grow rapidly. Most neck lumps are caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as an enlarged thyroid gland or goiter. The lump is more likely to be caused by cancer if it is hard or firm to the touch, does not move easily when touched, and grows over time. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Thyroid cancer may also cause swollen lymph nodes in your neck. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Lasts longer than a week. Is accompanied by a lump in your neck. Causes difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Do not go away after 3 weeks, especially if you haven’t had a cold or other upper respiratory infection. Are accompanied by pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a lump in your throat.
Go the the doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. Do not delay treatment.
A thyroid ultrasound. An ultrasound can determine if nodules in the thyroid are fluid-filled or solid. Solid nodules are more likely to be cancerous. A radioiodine scan. For this type of scan, your doctor will inject you with a small amount of radioactive iodine, or ask you to swallow it in pill form. A special camera then detects concentrations of radioactivity in your thyroid. “Cold” areas (with low radiation) may be cancerous. A CT, MRI, or PET scan. These types of scans create detailed images of internal organs. They can be useful for detecting tumors in the thyroid, as well as cancer that may have spread beyond the thyroid.
FNA biopsies can typically be performed in the doctor’s office under local or no anesthesia. The doctor will insert a fine needle into 3-4 points on the suspected tumor and pull a small amount of tissue into a syringe. The FNA may need to be repeated if the samples do not contain enough cells for a clear diagnosis. If the diagnosis is still unclear after a second FNA test, your doctor may recommend a surgical biopsy or lobectomy, in which some of your thyroid tissue is surgically removed under general anesthesia.
FNA biopsies can typically be performed in the doctor’s office under local or no anesthesia. The doctor will insert a fine needle into 3-4 points on the suspected tumor and pull a small amount of tissue into a syringe. The FNA may need to be repeated if the samples do not contain enough cells for a clear diagnosis. If the diagnosis is still unclear after a second FNA test, your doctor may recommend a surgical biopsy or lobectomy, in which some of your thyroid tissue is surgically removed under general anesthesia.
Surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Sometimes it is necessary to remove affected lymph nodes, as well. Radioactive iodine treatment. This is usually used together with surgery to destroy any remaining cancerous cells. Radiation therapy. This treatment is typically used if surgery and radioactive iodine therapy are ineffective. Targeted therapies, in which the cancer is treated directly with medications that destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. [18] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Thyroid hormone replacement medications. Since many thyroid cancer treatments destroy or damage the thyroid itself, you will need to take supplements to replace the hormones produced by the thyroid. [19] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
The risk of age can vary based on the type of thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer, which is the most common type, can occur at any age while the most aggressive form,[21] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source anaplastic thyroid cancer, is more common in people over the age of 60. [22] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
About 25% of people with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) inherit the disease. If your family has a history of this type of thyroid cancer, you can get a DNA test to see if you have the gene for it.
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Cowden disease. Carney complex, type I.
